New Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Launched

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre now offers a new way to screen healthy adults for colorectal cancer, thanks in large part to a $175,000 donation from the Northern Cancer Research Foundation (NCRF).

The funds were used to purchase endoscopy equipment for the recently implemented RN Performed Flexible Sigmoidoscopy pilot project. Thunder Bay is one of six sites in Ontario participating in the project, an initiative of Cancer Care Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Two Health Sciences Centre nurses have been trained to perform the procedure, which can detect cancer or polyps in the lower section of the colon and the rectum.

“The NCRF is pleased to contribute funds to this important pilot project,” said Brian McKinnon, Chair of the Board, NCRF. “Thanks to our generous donors, this equipment will translate into increased access to cancer screening in Northwestern Ontario, a region that currently has a growing incidence of colorectal cancer.”

The program was announced in early 2007 and is now accepting eligible clients age 50 or older who are referred by their family physician and meet the screening criteria: no family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, nor personal history of large bowel symptoms (like rectal bleeding), previous polyps or colorectal cancer.

Alongside the RN performed Flexible Sigmoidoscopy pilot, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario launched a province-wide colorectal cancer screening program. Ontario is investing $193 million over 5 years to increase access to the easy-to-use fecal occult blood test for men and women over 50 at average risk and for colonoscopies for people at increased risk because they have one or more family members with colorectal cancer.

“Flexible sigmoidoscopy and the FOBT are both recommended for people at average risk of colorectal cancer, while colonoscopy is the gold standard for people at increased risk,” said Dr. Gabriel Mapeso, surgeon and Colorectal Cancer Lead for Regional Cancer Care. “Flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect 60 per cent of cancers and requires less preparation and recovery time than a colonoscopy. You can return home or to work shortly after the procedure. The nurses can also remove polyps during the procedure that can be sent to the lab for testing with results available within weeks.”

Northwestern Ontario has one of the highest incidence rates of colorectal cancer in the province. Alison McMullen, Director of Preventive Oncology at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre said she hopes people take advantage of the new screening program.

“It is important for healthy adults over the age of 50 to talk to their healthcare provider about cancer screening, to determine which method is right for them. Eating 7-10 vegetables and fruits a day, maintaining an active lifestyle and living smoke-free also reduce your chances of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer,” she said.

The NCRF is 100% Northern – all funds raised support cancer research, patient care and education and awareness here in Northwestern Ontario.

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