Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month provides a great opportunity for British Columbians to learn more about preventing, treating and beating the third most-common cancer in Canada.

"If detected early, colorectal cancer can be cured and it's important for all of us to learn about the importance of screening as well as common risk factors and symptoms," said Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid. "We are proud to be launching a co-ordinated provincewide colorectal cancer screening program which begins on April 1, 2013. This program will assist in prevention and will help save lives."

B.C.'s new provincewide colorectal cancer screening program will take effect on April 1, 2013 with the introduction of the publicly funded fecal immunochemical test (FIT). The other aspects of the colorectal cancer screening program will be phased in starting with Vancouver Island Health Authority in April 2013, and the remaining four health authorities coming on board over the spring and summer of 2013.

"B.C. is a world leader in cancer control," said Dr. Max Coppes, president of the BC Cancer Agency. "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a good lead in to the start of our new screening program. The combination of increased awareness about risk factors and a comprehensive screening program will help to save many more British Columbians from colorectal cancer each year."

The colorectal screening program will be primary-care-based, with general practitioners referring symptomless patients between the ages of 50 and 74 years for a screening test once every two years. Individuals with a significant family history of colorectal cancer will be referred to their regional health authority for a screening colonoscopy. Patients who have been referred for a colonoscopy will also have access to patient co-ordinators who will help make the experience easier and ensure colonoscopy resources are used most effectively.

"As a survivor of late-stage colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the importance of raising awareness of this disease and the need for early screening programs," said Barry D. Stein, president of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. "We hope that Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month will encourage people right across the country to talk about colorectal cancer, sharing their experiences and raise awareness of the importance of timely screening. We also know that healthy lifestyles including a healthy diet and exercise are very important factors in reducing the risk of getting the disease. Primary prevention and screening are a winning combination in preventing this disease and used together they will save lives."

Often, colorectal cancer has no symptoms, but warning signs include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea and vomiting.

The risk of colorectal cancer rises with age, especially after age 50 and is also increased if there is a family history of colorectal cancer. Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, a diet high in fat, red meat or fried or charbroiled foods, smoking and obesity.

It is estimated that close to 3,000 British Columbians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2013.

"Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men and women combined, but is highly treatable if detected early," said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon. "This awareness month is a good time for people to learn more about risk factors and warning signs and to commit to doing just one thing to help prevent this disease."

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)