Colorectal Health
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Ontario for men and the third-leading cause for women (Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Statistics 2016).
When found early, there is a 90% chance of curing colorectal cancer
Take Action
Average risk men and women aged 50 and older:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every 2 years
- Positive tests should be followed up with a colonoscopy
Men and women with a family history of colorectal cancer:
- Colonoscopy at age 50, or ten years earlier than the age at which a parent, brother, sister or child was diagnosed, whichever occurs first
Talk with your doctor or nurse if:
- personal history of benign polyps or inflammatory bowel disease — screening can occur earlier than age 50
- Age – being 50 years or older
- Family History – having a parent, sibling or child with colorectal cancer
- Personal medical history – having polyps in the colon or rectum or long-standing, extensive inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- Lifestyle habits – eating a diet that is low in fibre and high in animal fats, being physically inactive, smoking, being obese, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
