colorectal cancer & screening

Colorectal Cancer & Screening

Sept 2013

Sometimes there are things that may be hard to talk about…

But not talking about them is even harder

What is Colorectal Cancer? Cancer that develops on

the inner wall of the colon and rectum (large bowel or large intestine)

As cancers of the colon and rectum are very similar, they are called “Colorectal Cancer”

What are Polyps?

Pre-cancerous polyps are small growths that may be found on the inner wall of the colon & rectum

Polyps can develop and exist over long periods of time without any signs or symptoms before becoming cancer

Colon →

Colorectal Cancer Facts In 2013, 2,010 new

cases of colorectal cancer are expected in Alberta

Colorectal cancer will develop in 1 in 13 men and 1 in 16 women throughout their lifetime

More Colorectal Cancer Facts In 2013, 700 colorectal

cancer deaths are expected in Alberta

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer in Alberta for both men and women combined

What Causes Colorectal Cancer? There is no single

cause All men and

women 50 and over are at higher risk

Some people are more at risk than others based on personal and family history

Risk Factors You Can’t Change Age Family history Ethnicity Personal cancer history Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Risk Factors You Can Change

Food choices

Physical activity

Body weight

Smoking

Ways to Decrease Your Risk

Get screened regularly! Eat more fibre (whole grains,

beans, lentils, peas, bran) Eat less saturated fats (red

meat, whole milk dairy products)

Eat lots of vegetables and fruit

More Ways to Reduce Your Risk Lower alcohol intake Add exercise into your daily

life Stay at a healthy body

weight Stop smoking and

snuff/chew and avoid second hand smoke

What about Symptoms?

Approximately 90% of people who get colorectal cancer are 50 and over with no symptoms

If symptoms do occur… Symptoms may include:

– Changes in bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea)

– Narrow or bloody stools– Abdominal cramps– Unexplained weight loss– Constant tiredness/weakness

See your doctor or nurse right away if you have symptoms!

Why is Finding Colorectal Cancer Early Important? If found early through regular

screening, the success rate for treatment is greater than 90%

If found at a later stage when there are symptoms, only about 10% of people survive (to 5 years)

Screening can also prevent colorectal cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps

How Do I Get Screened?

About 40% of Albertans aged 50 to 74 have been screened for colorectal cancer – leaving 60% unscreened!

To find a doctor– call Health Link Alberta: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)– visit: www.informalberta.ca

If you are 50 and over, talk to your doctor or nurse about getting screened regularly for

colorectal cancer

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

The Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program recommends the FIT, a home stool test, every year for everyone 50 to 74

Other screening tests are available – talk to your doctor or nurse about what is right for you

What is a FIT? Also called Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Finds blood in the stool that you can’t see Your doctor will arrange

for you to do the FIT at home

You don’t have to change your diet or medications

1. Collect one sample of stool2. Place a small sample of

stool in the FIT bottle3. Return the sample to the

lab

A FIT home stool test is easy!

What does an abnormal test result mean?

If the FIT result is abnormal, this means blood was found in the stool sample– This does not necessarily mean you have cancer – More testing is needed to determine the cause of

bleeding An abnormal test may also be due to pre-cancerous

polyps, or other conditions such as hemorrhoids (piles)

Colonoscopy

A thin flexible tube is placed into the rectum and colon for the doctor to examine the areas.

When a FIT is abnormal, colonoscopy is the recommended follow-up test

If the follow-up colonoscopy is normal, no colorectal cancer screening is required for 10 years

What is the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (ACRCSP)? An organized colorectal cancer screening program in

Alberta Coordinated by the Alberta Health Services –

Screening Programs In partnership with healthcare providers

www.screeningforlife.ca/colorectal

What does the ACRCSP Do? Encourages men and women aged 50 to 74 to get

screened Sends letters to people about their FIT results

1-866-727-3926, www.screeningforlife.ca/contact

What about other cancers? There are programs for Breast, Cervical &

Colorectal cancer screening in Alberta

There is not enough evidence for screening whole populations for other cancers (prostate, ovarian, skin, lung, etc)

To find out more about your needs, talk to your healthcare provider

What Can I Do Now? If you are 50 and over, talk to your doctor or nurse

about getting screened for colorectal cancer

Do the FIT home stool rest every year

Follow-up with your doctor or nurse right away if you have an abnormal test result

What Else Can I Do? Talk to your friends and

family about getting screened

Talk to your co-workers and neighbours about getting screened

Talk to everyone 50 and over about getting screenedColorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Questions?