When colon cancer is caught early, nine out of ten people with the disease can be cured.
ColonCancerCheck is a screening program in Ontario that encourages people who are eligible to get screened regularly for colon cancer. ColonCancerCheck screens two groups of eligible people: those at average risk of getting colon cancer and those at increased risk of getting colon cancer.
Average Risk
People who are 50 to 74 years old and have had no parents, brothers, sisters or children (first-degree relatives) with colon cancer are considered at average risk for colon cancer.
If you are at average risk, you should get screened with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years starting at age 50.
Increased Risk
People who have had one or more parents, brothers, sisters or children (first-degree relatives) with colon cancer are considered at increased risk for colon cancer.
If you are at increased risk, you should be screened with a colonoscopy starting at age 50, or 10 years earlier than the age your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer, whichever comes first. How often you get screened depends on the age your first-degree relative was diagnosed.
People at increased risk should speak to their health care provider about a colonoscopy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the colon (lower part of the digestive system) or rectum (the last 6 inches of the colon). Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer or bowel cancer.
What is ColonCancerCheck?
ColonCancerCheck is a screening program in Ontario that encourages people who eligible and at risk of getting colon cancer to get screened regularly for the disease.
What is my risk of developing colon cancer?
Visit MyCancerIQ.ca. This free online tool can help you assess your cancer risk and help reduce it.
Why is colon cancer screening important?
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers that people die from in Ontario. However, when colon cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people with the disease can be cured.
When should I be screened for colon cancer?
People ages 50 to 74 with no symptoms or family history of colon cancer are encouraged to complete the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years.
People are considered to be at increased risk if a close family member (parent, sibling or child) has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Screening should begin at age 50, or 10 years earlier than the age their relative was diagnosed — whichever comes first. People who are considered at increased risk for colon cancer should speak to their primary care provider about a colonoscopy.
What is the fecal immunochemical test (FIT)?
A FIT checks your stool (poop) for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by colon cancer or some types of polyps.
About FIT:
- It is safe and painless
- It can be done at home and only takes a few minutes to do
- You only need to collect 1 stool sample
- You can eat and take medications as usual
- It is free for eligible people through the ColonCancerCheck program
- It can be mailed to your address of choice
Where can I get the FIT?
Talk to your primary care provider to find out if a FIT is right for you.
If you do not have a primary care provider, you can get a FIT by calling Health811.
If you live in a First Nation community, you can contact your health centre or nursing station for more information.
How do I complete the FIT?
Complete your FIT by following the instructions provided in the kit.
Once received, screening participants should complete and return their FIT as soon as possible.
How will I receive the results of the FIT?
Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario will mail you a letter with your test result. Your health care provider will also get a copy of your test result from LifeLabs.
What if I have a family history of colon cancer?
People who have had one or more parents, brothers, sisters or children (first-degree relatives) with colon cancer are considered at increased risk.
Those at increased risk should get screened with a colonoscopy starting at age 50, or 10 years earlier than the age your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer, whichever comes first. How often you get screened depends on the age your first-degree relative was diagnosed.
People at increased risk should speak to their health care provider about a colonoscopy.
Where can I get a colonoscopy?
In Northwestern Ontario, a colonoscopy is performed in a hospital and requires a doctor’s referral. Speak to your health care provider about the colon cancer screening test that is best for you.
