The Ontario government launched on Tuesday a $193.5-million colorectal cancer screening program for people most at risk — a move sought by cancer experts and patient advocacy groups.

George Smitherman, Ontario's minister of health and long-term care, said colorectal cancer can be prevented.
(CBC)

The program will target Ontario residents with a family history of the disease and people 50 to 74.

George Smitherman, Ontario's minister of health and long-term care, said colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease in Canada, "but it is preventable."

'If detected in its early stages, there is a 90 per cent chance it can be treated and cured.'-George Smitherman, Ontario minister of health and long-term care

"If detected in its early stages, there is a 90 per cent chance it can be treated and cured. That's why our government is increasing access to screening tests to help save lives."

Last year, colorectal cancer killed more than 3,100 people in Ontario, and an estimated total of 8,500 people across Canada.

"The screening program will help us to detect (colorectal) cancer earlier, when we're better able to treat these conditions and improve survival for cancer patients," said Terry Sullivan, president of Cancer Care Ontario, the province's chief cancer adviser.

The Canadian Cancer Society's Ontario division has been advocating for a screening program for years, said division CEO Peter Goodhand.

"Seeing our efforts come to fruition like this is a real success, and supports our work to reduce cancer incidence and deaths through prevention and early detection," he said in a release. 

Ontario plans to spend the $193.5 million over the next five years to implement the program and expand it, Smitherman said. The ministry estimates about 10 per cent of people in the province have been screened.

People over 50 will be able use screening kits to do the fecal occult blood test at home.
(CBC)

In colon cancer, the malignant tumour often develops over 10 years, usually on the wall of the large intestine. As it grows, cancer can spread to other organs.

Screening starts with home kits

Starting next year, people over 50 will be able to pick up screening kits to do the fecal occult blood test at home. The test checks for blood in the stool and may help identify polyps before they become cancerous.

The kits will be available from family doctors and pharmacists. Anyone with an abnormal result will be given priority for a colonoscopy, Smitherman said. The program aims to screen 3.8 million people over 50.

During a colonoscopy, doctors insert a lighted probe into the rectum and through the large intestine to look for polyps or abnormalities. If something suspicious is found, the tissue can be removed immediately and tested.

Since colon cancer is often slow growing, symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue and weakness.
• A change in bowel habit (alternating constipation and increased stool frequency).
• Stool streaked or mixed with blood.
• Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
• Stools that are narrower than usual.
• General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and-or cramps).
• Weight loss with no known reason.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Risk factors including eating a diet high in red meat, obesity and lack of physical activity, drinking alcohol and smoking.

With files from the Canadian Press