COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING MAKES THE BEST OF A STICKYSITUATION
by Scott A. Sumner
Dr Heather McLean is the Regional Primary Care Lead for the Cancer Program. “ The Fecal Blood Test itself isn’t new and has been around for decades. It has been recommended as the best first step for screening for colorectal cancer. The test has been shown in large, very well done studies to reduce deaths from colorectal cancer. This test is a good first step. A colonoscopy is usually done as a follow up test if your test is abnormal. ,” said Dr. Heather McLean. “ If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or if are feeling unwell in any way
related to your bowel you should have a colonoscopy definitely .
“ A lot of people don’t get any testing and we want to reach those people and say this is an easy test you can do at home. You can get a kit from Tele Health by calling them or going to a participating pharmacy and talking to your pharmacist,” said Mclean. “ The test is looking for blood in your stool and it is blood you won’t see with the naked eye. They do a chemical test in the lab and can tell if there are microscopic bits of blood there. If there are those findings you go on and have a colonoscopsy to follow up.”
“ The test is a first good step so face your fears and make one resolution to take this test. You will realize it isn’t really that bad.” said Dr. Heather Mclean.
You should take the test at age 50 and over. For more information on colorectal cancer and the FOBT kit, please visit Ontario.ca/ColonCancerCheck
