Colon cancer is Ontario’s deadliest form of cancer for non-smokers.
Individuals with colorectal cancer have an estimated 90 per cent chance of being cured if the cancer is detected early.
That’s why cancer care providers are asking people between the ages of 50 and 74 to talk to their doctor or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 this month for a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). The test screens for colon cancer before symptoms appear, and should be done every two years.
“Barely a third of Waterloo-Wellington residents in the target age range have had their FOBT screening,” said Dr. Craig McFadyen, regional vice president for Cancer Care Ontario and a cancer surgeon at Kitchener’s Grand River Hospital.
“If we detect colon cancer early, we can effectively treat it with minimal complications. Catching it later means poorer outcomes, and a much worse quality of life due to a range of complications.
FOBT screening involves a test that patients can do at home. Stool samples are studied for trace amounts of blood, which not only is a sign of cancer, but also pre-cancerous colon or rectal polyps. A positive result generally leads to further testing such as colonoscopy.
A delayed diagnosis of colon cancer can:
– increase a chance of the cancer spreading;
– lead to more intensive surgical procedures, radiation therapy and chemotherapy; and-or
– require patients to use a colostomy bag or other restrictions that can affect quality of life.
This month, the Waterloo Wellington regional cancer program will be part of a local push to promote ColonCancerCheck, a provincial colon cancer screening program.
That will include a series of Newspaper, magazine, bus shelter and radio ads.
“Colon cancer is silent for the first few years,” said Dr. Sophie Wilson, a local family doctor and regional primary care lead for the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program.
“So when you feel fine, that’s when you need to do the test. We’re asking people to understand how serious colon cancer can be, and to make sure they have the test every two years.”
One man who is pleased to have been screened is Bert Lyddiatt, a 76 year old resident of Waterloo. His doctor had provided him a home FOBT screening kit for the past few years. In February, the result came back positive. A follow up colonoscopy in June revealed colon cancer. Mr. Lyddiatt had surgery in August, and has been told his prospects are very good.
“I never had any symptoms,” said Mr. Lyddiatt. “Now I’ve had the surgery, and I feel right back to where I was before.
“At the time I wasn’t happy to do the test, but later I was. It’s good insurance.”
Waterloo Wellington has seen improved access to colonoscopies, the second step in colon cancer screening for at-risk people. A regional colonoscopy network formed in the past year has helped coordinate better access.
“A year ago, just over half of our patients received colonoscopies within eight weeks, after a concerning home test result,” said Dr. McFadyen, “Now, nearly three-quarters of patients receive a colonoscopy within eight weeks.”
More information about colon cancer and FOBT screening is available from Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 or on-line at www.coloncancercheck.ca and http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/telehealth/.
