Colon Cancer
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer for men and women in Canada. Most cases occur in people over the age of 50 but it is possible to develop colon cancer at an earlier age.
Screening for colon cancer means checking for colon cancer as part of routine medical care when there are no symptoms present.
Colon cancer usually grows slowly and in a predictable way. The earlier it is detected, the better – it is easier to treat and often curable when it is found early. A screening test can even find changes in the colon that can be treated before they become cancer
Screening Recommendations
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that men and women age 50 and over have a stool test (fecal immunochemical test - FIT) at least every 2 years. Stool tests help identify polyps before they become cancerous.
It is important to talk to your doctor about having one of these tests even if you feel fine because it will check for signs of the disease before you’ve noticed anything that might be a problem.
If you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer you may be tested more often or at an earlier age. Talk to your doctor about a personal plan of testing.
Know Your Risk
Those who are at higher than average risk of developing colorectal cancer should discuss an individual plan of surveillance with their doctor. High risk individuals include those:
- Over the age of 50
- With a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer (such as a parent, sibling or child)
- With a personal history of colorectal cancer
- Who have inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative or Crohn's disease
- Who have some inherited syndromes such as FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) or HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer)
- With benign polyps of the colon or rectum
Colon Cancer Prevention Program
The Colon Cancer Prevention Program (CCPP) is run by Cancer Care Nova Scotia with the goal of reducing the number of deaths from colon cancer in Nova Scotia. It is a screening program designed to help detect cancer and precancerous growths in Nova Scotians aged 50-74. For more information on this program call toll-free: 1-866-599-2267.
Join the fight
- Sign up for screening reminders.
- Use Facebook to tag the people you care about and encourage them to get screened.
- Invite your friends and loved ones to sign up for screening reminders.
- Share your story and encourage other Nova Scotians to get screened.
For general cancer screening information call the Canadian Cancer Society toll-free Cancer Information Service 1-888-939-3333.