Islanders are encouraged to talk about colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection during colorectal cancer awareness month this March, says Minister of Health and Wellness Robert Henderson.
“I encourage Islanders to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by accessing our excellent provincial screening program,” said the minister. “Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Prince Edward Island, but early detection through regular screening is making a real difference.”
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among Island men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death in Prince Edward Island. For average risk Islanders between the ages of 50 and 74, the easy to use at-home FIT kit continues to be the primary screening tool. Over the last two years, approximately 20 percent of eligible Islanders have been screened for colorectal cancer using the FIT Kit.
“Colorectal cancer screening helps detect cancer early when it can be most successfully treated or, in some cases, before it has even begun developing,” says Anja Nied-Kutterer, PEI Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Coordinator for Health PEI. “We are now in a better position than ever to address colorectal cancer by taking steps to reduce risks, screen more effectively, and improve treatment.”
In addition to regular screening, Islanders can also take active steps to reduce their risk factors for colorectal cancer like eating a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables , maintaining a healthy weight, exercising , not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption , taking vitamin D supplements and getting screened regularly (every two years for persons of average risk).
For more information or to request a FIT Kit, call the PEI Colorectal Cancer Screening Program toll free at 1-888-561-2233 or visit www.healthpei.ca/colorectal.