All Islanders between ages 50 and 74 should consider being screened for colorectal cancer as part of a new province-wide program that will make screening easier and more accessible, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“During Cancer Awareness Month, our Government is pleased to announce an annual $280,000 investment to ensure Islanders have access to simple-to-use tests for colorectal cancer screening,” said Minister Bertram. “Screening leads to the early detection of cancer, which allows for effective interventions and treatments. So we strongly encourage all Islanders between 50 and 74 to take part in this new province-wide program.”
Health PEI is now offering all Islanders simple-to-use, home-based test kits for colorectal cancer. The kits are now available, free of charge, in all family health centres and medical clinics across the province.
Colorectal cancer – or cancer of the rectum or colon – is one of the most common cancers on the Island in both men and women. Rates have increased in males and females over the past 20 years, with rates in Island women being 30 percent higher than the national average. Physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, and diets low in fibre and calcium and high in red and processed meats are contributing factors. Screening promotes the early detection of cancer or pre-cancerous polyps, which allow for early intervention and treatment.
“The good news is, national colorectal cancer-related death rates have declined significantly for both men and women, likely due to improvements in treatment and early detection,” said Keith Dewar, CEO of Health PEI. “Minister Bertram and the provincial government are to be commended for supporting this important program province-wide to help promote and protect the health of Islanders.”
The health system has piloted a colorectal screening program over the past two years while the Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division, has promoted the importance of cancer screening through its “Get Screened PEI” campaign. The society conducted surveys that demonstrated an increase in awareness amongst Island adults and that the majority believed that cancer can be detected before there are signs and symptoms.
“The Canadian Cancer Society calls on all Islanders 50 and older to get screened for colon cancer,” says Marla Delaney of the Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division. “This is a simple test that is done in the comfort of your own home that can have life saving benefits. Finding colon cancer before it starts, or at its earliest stages, greatly increases the likelihood of survival and reduces the level of treatment required.”
The PEI colorectal cancer screening program will continue to develop through the teamwork of Health PEI Laboratory Services, Primary Health Care and community organizations such as the P.E.I. division of the Canadian Cancer Society. For more information on the provincial colorectal screening program, call toll free at 1-888-561-2233.