Colorectal cancer often curable with early detection
by Dr. Charles Gardner

While there is growing awareness of the importance of screening tests for breast and cervical cancers, too few people know about a simple screening test for colorectal cancer - the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Ontario. The test is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), and it can save lives.

Colorectal cancer typically takes about 10 years to develop to the point where the affected person has any noticeable symptoms. The FOBT can detect the cancer in the early, symptom-free period, when the cure rate is 90%. Yet, despite its success, research shows as few as 20% of men and women between the ages of 50 and 65 report ever having had any bowel investigations, including the FOBT.

Fortunately, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Cancer Care Ontario have recently introduced a provincial colorectal cancer screening program, a first for Canada. Starting this year, there will be increased funding for additional colonoscopies across the province for individuals at increased risk because of a family history of colorectal cancer, and for those who have a positive FOBT.

In the second year of the program, FOBT kits will be made more widely available through physicians' offices, primary care clinics, family health teams and other group practices. People without family physicians will be able to pick up FOBT kits from pharmacies or order them through Telehealth. There will also be one standard FOBT for all patients to improve consistency and ease of use.

The test is simple to do at home. A kit is supplied to collect a stool smear. A laboratory then analyzes it to detect invisible amounts of blood in the stool. Blood can indicate the presence of a polyp or a colorectal growth. Because polyps may become cancerous, they must be caught early and removed.

Since the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age the test is recommended every two years once a person turns 50. Other risk factors include a family history of colorectal or other cancers, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and a history of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's or colitis) or polyps. A lack of physical activity and a diet low in vegetables and fruit also contribute to an increased risk.

If you are 50 or older it's important to talk to your health care provider about having an FOBT.

For more information about the prevention and early detection of cancer, talk to your health care provider or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877- 721-7520 anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

You can also check www.simcoe muskokahealth.org for more information.