Colorectal Cancer Screening– Finding Cancer Early!
Colorectal Cancer Facts
• Often referred to as bowel cancer, includes cancer of the large intestine and rectum
• Ontario has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world
• Occurs almost equally in both men and women
• Is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women
• Risk of colorectal cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50 for both genders
• Approximately 93% of cases are diagnosed in people aged 50+
Promote Early Detection Messaging in your Workplace
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer and if detected in the early stages, it is curable 90 % of the time.
Screening guidelines include:
• Men and women 50 and older should have a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) at least every two years
• Men and women with a family history of colorectal cancer (parent, sibling, child) should have a
colonoscopy at age 50 or even sooner
Promote Prevention Messages to Reduce Cancer Risk
Adopting a healthy lifestyle over the long term may lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.
As part of a healthy lifestyle:
• Consume 7-10 servings of vegetable and fruit each day (Canada's Food Guide)
• Eat a diet rich in whole grains and legumes (increase fibre)
• Eat a diet low in saturated and animal fats
• Limit red meat and avoid processed meat
• Be active (30-60 min of moderate activity each day)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be a non-smoker and avoid second- hand smoke
• Avoid or limit alcohol - two (2) or less drinks a day for men and one (1) drink or less a day for women
Available Provincial Resources
Additional information on Colorectal Cancer
Cancer Care Ontario www.Ontario.ca/ColonCancerCheck
Cancer INFO line 1-866-410-5853
Available Project Health Resources
Region of Waterloo Public Health has three (3) new displays that can be signed out by workplaces for use in their health promotion initiatives. To book these displays or if you would like more information on colorectal screening, please contact Donna Nicholson RN, Public Health Nurse, Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-740-5793 Ext 3437
Reduce your Cancer Risk Floor Display
Find Cancer Early Floor Display (screening recommendations)
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