To The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—The Regional Cancer Program wants everyone to know that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.
“Screening increases the chances of finding cancer early. When caught early, nine out of 10 people can be cured,” says Dr. Meghan Davis, Regional Primary Care Lead. “If someone has undiagnosed colorectal cancer and does not get screened, the chance for early and more effective treatment may be missed.”
People ages 50 to 74 with no symptoms of cancer or a first-degree family history (parent, sibling, or child) are encouraged to get screened using an at-home ‘poop test’ called a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years through the province’s ColonCancerCheck Program. This free test is ordered by a healthcare provider and delivered in the mail.
COVID-19 restrictions made access to routine medical care and screening more challenging for many reasons. Over 40% of screen-eligible 50-74-year-olds in the region are overdue for colorectal cancer screening. Further, there are just under 800 people who have had an abnormal FIT who have not completed the recommended follow-up.
“The FIT can find cancer early, even before symptoms start. It can even detect evidence of pre-cancerous growths that can easily and safely be removed,” adds Dr. Davis.
The FIT detects traces of blood that are invisible to the naked eye. It only takes two minutes to take the test in one’s home and then mail the sample back to the lab for testing. It’s simple, quick, painless, non-restrictive, and non-invasive. People who complete the test will receive a letter in the mail with their results and recommended next steps.
“We have all taken measures to stay safe and healthy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and getting checked for colon cancer is also part of taking care of our health,” says Dr. Davis. “I encourage people to speak with their healthcare provider if they are overdue for a FIT and to complete the recommended follow-up if (needed).”
Now is a great time to arrange a screening test by contacting your healthcare provider or reaching out to the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach (1-855-338-3131) or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-828-9213) if you do not have a regular provider.
For more information, visit hnhbscreenforlife.ca.
