ColonCancerCheck program

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Ontario. Yet the disease is preventable and treatable if detected early.

The ColonCancerCheck program is an Ontario-wide, screening program aimed at reducing deaths from colorectal cancer by increasing early detection of the disease. The program provides access to colorectal cancer screening through the use of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), and for those at increased risk access to a colonoscopy procedure.

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. With these procedures, lives will be saved.

The ColonCancerCheck program is an initiative of Cancer Care Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

ColonCancerCheck eligibility guidelines:

Ontario residents
50 years of age and older
those at increased risk (i.e. with a first degree family member – parent, child or sibling – with colorectal cancer)

Screening interval:

average risk adults 50 years and older every two years
those at increased risk should be referred for a colonoscopy beginning at the age of 50 years, or 10 years earlier than the relative’s age of diagnosis, whichever comes first

Participating in the ColonCancerCheck program:

Talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer and your risk assessment. ColonCancerCheck FOBT kits are available through healthcare providers. Individuals without a healthcare provider can obtain a kit from a pharmacist or by calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. TTY access is available at 1-866-797-0007.

For more information about the ColonCancerCheck program:

Visit www.coloncancercheck.ca or contact Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at 1-866-410-5853, TTY access 1-800-387-5559.

The role of the Canadian Cancer Society in the ColonCancerCheck program:

The Canadian Cancer Society supports the ColonCancerCheck recommendations for colorectal cancer screening and works to refer people to the program and to raise awareness about the value of early detection. The Canadian Cancer Society is also an active member of provincial, regional and local cancer prevention committees.

For more information about colorectal cancer and screening call our Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1 888 939-3333 or e-mail us.

For more information about colorectal cancer, click here.

For more information about how you can reduce your risk of developing cancer, click here.

Last modified on: 13 December 2009