Canadian Cancer Society applauds decision to fund colorectal cancer screening in Ontario

23  January  2007
TORONTO -

The Canadian Cancer Society congratulates the Ontariogovernment for implementing a population-based colorectal cancer screening program, making this province the first in Canadato take this life-saving initiative.

“We are thrilled at this announcement,” says Peter Goodhand, CEO, Ontario Division, Canadian Cancer Society. “Colorectal cancer is one of the highest causes of cancer deaths in Ontarioand yet the disease is preventable and treatable if detected early. The implementation of a comprehensive population-based screening program will save lives.”

The volunteers, staff and partners of the Canadian Cancer Society played an integral role in ensuring this program was implemented.

“The Canadian Cancer Society in Ontariohas been advocating strongly for a colorectal cancer screening program for several years,” says Goodhand. “Seeing our efforts come to fruition like this is a real success and supports our work to reduce cancer incidence and deaths through prevention and early detection.”

In Ontario, an estimated 1,650 men and 1,450 women died of colorectal cancer in 2006. An estimated 4,000 men and 3,500 women were diagnosed. After lung cancer, it is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined.

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that men and women age 50 and over have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) at least every two years. Follow-up for a positive test should include a colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema (an x-ray of the large intestine) and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

This recommendation applies only to people who are at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. People who have a first degree relative with colorectal cancer, personal history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, some inherited syndromes, or benign polyps should develop an individualized plan of surveillance with their doctors.

Screening programs are designed to detect disease before symptoms are noticeable. A screening test will be made available to an entire population when it will help to detect cancer before it would have been detected as a result of symptoms, and when research indicates that early treatment will reduce death rates. This is referred to as population-based cancer screening.

Most colorectal cancers develop from small growths, called polyps, in those at average risk of the disease. Fecal occult blood testing will help to identify polyps early so they may be removed during a colonoscopy or surgery before they become cancerous.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.  When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

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For more information, please contact:

Christine Koserski

Sr. Coordinator, Media Relations

Ontario Division

Phone:  (416) 488-5402 x2305