Screening Before Symptoms Key to Finding Colon Cancer Early
Forty-three per cent of Nova Scotians wrongly believe people should only be screened for cancer after they have symptoms, according to a survey released today, Feb. 2, by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
"I am very concerned about this finding," said Dr. Bernard Badley, medical director, Colon Cancer Prevention Program. "Colon cancer screening is best done when people are feeling good and have no warning signs or symptoms of disease. For screening to be effective, it also must be done regularly and before there are symptoms.
"In the case of colon cancer, evidence shows there is a 90 per cent chance of curing this disease when detected early through regular screening with a stool test like the Fecal Immunochemical Test or FIT provided through the Colon Cancer Prevention Program."
Dr. Badley said people 50-74 years of age with no first degree relative, such as father, mother, brother, sister, with colon cancer should be screened every two years with this test.
"People who have symptoms or concerns about colon cancer should not wait for a screening test. They should talk with their family doctor."
Other findings from the survey indicate that Nova Scotians' attitudes towards cancer screening are very similar to most Canadians. Most Nova Scotians, aged 50-74, report regular screening tests as the best way to detect cancer. Nine in ten people indicated that if caught in time, many cancers are treatable and that people their age should be getting regular screening.
Almost half of respondents, aged 50-74, report having discussed colorectal cancer risk with a doctor. This is slightly lower than Canadians overall. In terms of awareness of colorectal cancer screening tests, 39 per cent of respondents can name colonoscopy, a test to examine the colon for precancerous polyps and, if they are found, remove them to prevent the development of colon cancer.
This is lower than Canadians overall. However, awareness of the stool test has increased significantly in Nova Scotia since the 2009 survey. It is up to 37 per cent from 24 per cent. Half of Nova Scotia respondents aged 50-74 report having up-to-date colorectal cancer tests including a stool test in the last two years and a colonoscopy in the past five years. This is the same as the national rate. About one in three Nova Scotians aged 50-74 say they are likely to search for more information on tests for colorectal cancer in the next year. This is slightly higher than Canadians overall.
"The survey findings indicate we are reaching Nova Scotians with the message that regular colon cancer screening saves lives. And, Nova Scotians are becoming much more aware of the stool test as a screening test for colon cancer," said Dr. Badley.
"However, we have more work to do. We must impress upon people that cancer screening is something you do and do regularly when you are well. We have a wonderful screening program, but its success depends on people participating."
Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Colon Cancer Prevention Program was first introduced in 2009 and since March 2011, has been available provincewide.
The Colon Cancer Prevention Program invites Nova Scotians, between the ages of 50 and 74, to complete a home screening kit containing a stool test every two years. Nova Scotians receive their first kit based on their date of birth and then every two years thereafter until they are 74. Individuals born in an even year receive their kit in an even year close to their birthday. Individuals born in an odd year receive their kit in odd years close to their birthday.
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer commissioned Ipsos Reid to conduct a national study on Canadians between the ages of 45-74 on their awareness and attitudes towards colorectal cancer screening. The objectives were to provide information to help the development of colorectal cancer screening programs and to track changes in awareness attitudes and behaviour regarding colorectal cancer and screening.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia, a provincial program of the Department of Health and Wellness, was created in 1998 to facilitate quality cancer prevention and care for all Nova Scotians. It supports health professionals in providing patients with high quality care.