Colon Cancer Screening Age Lowered to 45
What’s New
Ontario is expanding colon cancer screening to help detect cancer earlier. Starting now, people at average risk can begin screening at age 45. If you’re between 45 and 49, you’ll receive an invitation in the mail over the next two years.
If you haven’t received your invitation yet, you can speak to your family doctor or nurse practitioner to request a FIT test to get started.
For people with a family history of colon cancer, screening can now begin with a colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years before the age your youngest family member was diagnosed.
Why Screening Matters
The age that people are getting colon cancer is changing both around the world and in Canada. More people under 50 are being diagnosed with the disease. In Ontario, colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer.
Most people who get colon cancer do not have a family history of the disease. That’s why regular screening is important, even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms. Screenings can find changes before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.
When colon cancer is found early, 9 out of 10 people can be cured. In later stages, treatment is still possible but the chances of beating it are lower. Skipping screening could mean missing the chance for earlier treat
Are you at Risk?
Most people ages 45 to 74 are considered at average risk for colon cancer. This includes people with no first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) diagnosed with colon cancer, or only one first-degree relative diagnosed at age 60 or older. If you’re at average risk, it’s advised to get screened with a FIT test every 2 years. The FIT is a safe, painless at-home test that checks your stool for tiny amounts of blood, which can be an early sign of colon cancer or polyps.
If you’re at increased risk, you should speak to your family doctor or nurse practitioner about getting a colonoscopy. You’re considered increased risk if you have one first-degree relative diagnosed before age 60, or two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed at any age. For increased risk, screening with a colonoscopy is recommended starting at age 40, or 10 years earlier than the age your relative was diagnosed.
For more information, visit HealthOntario
How to get a FIT Kit
You can get a FIT kit through your family doctor or nurse practitioner. If you’re eligible, they’ll arrange for the kit to be mailed to your home. If you don’t have a primary care provider, call 811 (TTY:711) or visit Health811 to request your free ColonCancerCheck FIT kit.
For people living in a First Nation community, contact your local health centre or nursing station for more information.