ColonCancerCheck - Check it off your to do list!

    TORONTO, March 18 /CNW/ - This March put your health on your to do list
and learn about ColonCancerCheck, Canada's first and only province-wide
organized colorectal screening program.
    Ontario has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world.
It is the second deadliest form of cancer, but when caught early enough, there
is a 90 per cent chance colorectal cancer can be cured.
    "We can make great gains against this disease, improving outcomes and
survival rates by detecting it early through screening," said Terrence
Sullivan, president and CEO, Cancer Care Ontario. "For many people, detecting
colorectal cancer through screening means longer, healthier lives."
    Almost one year since the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and
Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) launched ColonCancerCheck, 550,000 Fecal Occult
Blood Tests (FOBT) have been sent out to family physicians, nurse
practitioners and pharmacists and an additional 38,000 colonoscopies were
funded.
    Between April 2008 and January 2009, Ontarians completed approximately
280,000 ColonCancerCheck Fecal Occult Blood Test kits. We know that about 1 in
10 of those people who have a positive FOBT will be found to have colorectal
cancer after further investigation.
    "The province is deeply committed to preventing colorectal cancer through
support for effective programs like ColonCancerCheck," said David Caplan,
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "ColonCancerCheck is helping to save
lives."
    ColonCancerCheck encourages people aged 50 years and older to get
screened for colorectal cancer. For average risk Ontarians, the Fecal Occult
Blood Test is the primary screening tool. For individuals who are at increased
risk of colorectal cancer because of a family history (one or more first
degree relatives, i.e. a parent, sibling or child with a history of colorectal
cancer), or a positive FOBT, a colonoscopy is recommended.
    "Studies show that regular screening using FOBT for people at average
risk of colorectal cancer reduces death from colorectal cancer by 16 per cent,
said Dr. George Pasut, vice president, Prevention and Screening, CCO. I would
strongly encourage people to take charge of their health and talk to their
family physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist about ColonCancerCheck."
    Organized screening programs like ColonCancerCheck have many benefits
including the ability to invite people to participate in screening, send
reminders to be screened, track participants throughout the screening and if
necessary, diagnostic processes. Participating in an organized screening
program also means program quality and performance are continually evaluated.
    Remember, if you were see-through, it would be easier to spot colorectal
cancer, but you're not. So talk to your family health care provider about
getting checked.

    Cancer Care Ontario continually improves cancer services so that fewer
people get cancer and patients receive better care.

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For further information: Elizabeth McCarthy, Advisor - Public Affairs,
Cancer Care Ontario, Tel: (416) 971-9800 x. 3339, Email:
elizabeth.mccarthy@cancercare.on.ca