The Colon Diagnostic Assessment Program (DAP) at our Hospital is designed to streamline the process for colon cancer screening so that patients receive a colonoscopy faster. Patients are referred to the program by their health care provider (family physician, nurse practitioner etc.) if:
- They have a positive colon screening kit and are 50 to 74 years of age.
- They have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who was diagnosed with colon cancer. A patient’s first colonoscopy should be at age 50, or 10 years prior to their family member’s age at diagnosis.
It is important to note that a referral to the Colon DAP does not necessarily mean that an individual has colon cancer.
The Colon DAP team contacts the patient directly and books appointments for patients as needed, including colonoscopy. A patient navigator coordinates the screening colonoscopy, explains the procedure and preparation required, and is available to answer any questions and to provide support throughout the process.
Colon DAP:
- The Colon DAP offers colonoscopies to individuals who have had a positive colon screening kit or individuals who have a first-degree family history of colon cancer. Having a first-degree family history of colon cancer means that person has an immediate relative (parent, sibling or child) who has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
- A patient navigator coordinates the screening colonoscopy, and is available to answer patient questions and provide support.
Who is on the Colon DAP team?
The Colon DAP team includes a patient navigator, colonoscopists (surgeons and gastroenterologists who perform colonoscopy procedures), nurses, and administrative staff. The Colon DAP team works together to cover all aspects of a patient’s and family’s needs during testing, and provide the best possible care. The team continually communicates with the health care provider to keep them informed at all times.
Where is the Colon DAP located?
The colon DAP team is a virtual program. This means that everything is organized over the telephone with the patient. Screening colonoscopies are scheduled in the Endoscopy/Surgical Day Care Department on Level 3 of our Hospital.
Some patients may be scheduled for an appointment at their colonoscopist’s office before or after their colonoscopy. The navigator will provide appointment information if applicable.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy uses a long, flexible tube, called a colonoscope, to examine the inside walls of the colon (large intestine). The tip of the colonoscope has a very small camera and light that allows the physician to see the colon wall on a television monitor as the scope passes through the colon. The physician is looking for polyps (precancerous growths, or any other abnormalities).
Referrals – Information for Health Care Providers
The Colon DAP accepts colonoscopy referrals directly from family physicians, primary care nurse practitioners and physicians at walk-in clinics.
The Colon DAP follows guidelines from Ontario’s organized colon cancer screening program ColonCancerCheck
Patients are eligible if:
- They have completed a colon screening kit and the results are positive and they are between 50 and 74 years of age.
- They have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who had colon cancer. A patient’s first colonoscopy should be at age 50 or 10 years prior to their family member’s age at diagnosis.
Click to view and print the Screening Colonoscopy Referral Form and fax to Surgical and Endoscopy Central Intake at (855) 610-2254.
Please ensure that patients meet the DAP eligibility requirements outlined above.
