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Ontario becomes 2nd province to lower colorectal cancer screening age to 45
CBC • • health
Key Points:
- Ontario has lowered the routine colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45, making it the second Canadian province after Prince Edward Island to do so, effective July 1.
- The at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is now available for Ontarians aged 45 and up, with abnormal results leading to referrals for colonoscopy.
- Colorectal Cancer Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society urge other provinces and territories to adopt this change, citing rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults and the potential for early detection to save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
- People at higher risk due to family history are recommended to start colonoscopy screenings at age 40 or earlier, while symptomatic individuals should seek immediate medical evaluation rather than relying on FIT.
- Cancer survivors like Trish Riley support the earlier screening age, emphasizing that earlier detection can improve outcomes, despite limitations in screening test accuracy.
