March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it provides an 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," says Health Minister Margaret
MacDiarmid.
British Columbia's new province-wide colorectal cancer screening program took effect on April 1, 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 and the remaining four health authorities coming on board over the spring and summer of 2013.
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.
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.