1 Colorectal Cancer and Screening Cancer Screening Programs September 2013

2 How much do you know about colorectal cancer? How common is colorectal cancer in Alberta? (i.e. 1 in X men and 1 in X women)? How many cases of colorectal cancer can be treated successfully if found early (i.e. X out of 10)? Does a diet rich in fruits and vegetables help reduce risk of colorectal cancer? What is a FIT home stool test checking for? Is it a reliable way to detect signs of colorectal cancer?

3 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 referred to as “Colorectal Cancer”

4 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

5 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

6 More Colorectal Cancer Facts In 2013, 700 colorectal cancer deaths are expected in Alberta Colorectal cancer is the 2 nd leading cause of death from cancer in Alberta for both men and women combined

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

8 Risk Factors You Can Change  Food Choices  Physical Activity  Body Weight  Smoking

9 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

10 More Ways to Reduce Your Risk Lower alcohol intake Add exercise into your daily life Stay at a healthy body weight Consider quitting smoking and snuff/chew and avoiding second hand smoke

11 What about Symptoms? Approximately 90% of people who get colorectal cancer are 50 and over with no symptoms If symptoms do occur see your doctor or nurse right away! Symptoms may include: Changes in bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea) Narrow or bloody stools Abdominal cramps Unexplained weight loss Constant tiredness/weakness

12 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

13 How Do I Get Screened? About 40% of Albertans aged 50 to 74 get screened for colorectal cancer – leaving 60% unscreened! To find a doctor –call Health Link Alberta: LINK (5465) –visit: If you are 50 and over, talk to your doctor or nurse about getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer

14 Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests The Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program recommends a FIT 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

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16 What is a FIT Home Stool Test? FIT is also called a Fecal Immunochemical Test It finds blood in the stool that is not visible to the eye You can pick up the FIT from a lab (with a form from your healthcare provider) You do not have to change your diet or medications for the test

17 A FIT Home Stool Test is Easy to do 1.Collect a sample of stool 2.Place a small sample of stool in the FIT bottle 3.Return the sample to the lab

18 What does an abnormal FIT 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 –Additional testing is needed to determine the source and cause of bleeding An abnormal test may also be due to pre-cancerous polyps, or other conditions such as hemorrhoids (piles)

19 Colonoscopy A thin flexible tube is placed into the rectum and colon for the doctor to examine the areas. When a FIT result 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

20 Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (ACRCSP) An organized provincial colorectal cancer screening program Coordinated by the Alberta Health Services – Screening Programs Encourages men and women aged 50 to 74 to get screened Sends letters to clients about their FIT result In partnership with healthcare providers

21 Thank you! Questions?