March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
One in 16 Albertans will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Early detection is key – 90% of cases can be treated successfully if found early.
 
This month, the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program is encouraging individuals aged 50 to 74 to prioritize regular screening with the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
 
As physicians, you play a significant role in encouraging patient participation. Here's how you can support:
  • Recommend FIT to eligible patients who are due for screening.
  • Remind patients that FIT can be done conveniently at home.
  • Discuss the options: patients can take a requisition to the lab or order a FIT kit on screeningforlife.ca or by calling
    1-866-727-3926.
Key tips
  • FIT is not appropriate for patients with symptoms like rectal bleeding or abdominal pain. Refer these patients for gastroenterology consultation.
  • Using FIT for non-colorectal cancer screening purposes can cause delays in diagnosis. 
  • Abnormal FIT results require prompt referral for colonoscopy. FIT should not be repeated on patients with abnormal results.

For more guidance and resources, including when to use FIT and clinical practice guidelines, visit screeningforlife.ca.

Together, we can increase colorectal cancer screening rates.
© 2024 Alberta Medical Association; All rights reserved

The opinions expressed in AMA publications are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Alberta Medical Association, its Board of Directors or members.

The Alberta Medical Association does not assume responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice contained in these materials. Advertisements included in our publications are not necessarily endorsed by the Alberta Medical Association.

The Association reserves the right to edit any submissions that are accepted to appear in any of our publications or platforms. Please consult our editorial guidelines for tips on submissions or advertising.

Our mailing address is:
12230 106 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5N 3Z1
Canada