Community Health Services Department / Child Health & Dental Services Department

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Colorectal Cancer

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:17 PM

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Ontario . It occurs most often in men and women aged 50 and over who have no family history of the disease. Nearly 3,000 Ontarians die annually from the disease. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is 90% curable when detected early.

 The County of Lambton is one of 12 Ontario communities selected to participate in a Cancer Care Ontario pilot project that encourages people - 50 to 75 years with no previous history - to be screened for colorectal cancer.

According to Cancer Care Ontario , up to 80% of Lambton’s population aged 50 and over – 21,800 people – have not had any tests for colorectal cancer as part of their health screening routine.

During the year-long project, the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department is promoting Colorectal Cancer screening through the use of an annual FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test). The FOBT is a non-invasive test. It is simple, painless and safe, and performed in the privacy of your own home.

The FREE test is available through your doctor. For those without a family physician, contact Community Health Services.

Another method used to detect early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum is a colonoscopy. The in-hospital medical procedure, allows the physician to look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine.

Screening saves lives. If you are over age 50, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, or personal bowel problems, talk with your doctor about being tested. The FOBT as part of your regular health care routine will help you live longer.

For more information about Colorectal Cancer and the FOBT screening test, contact Community Health Services at 383-8331 ext. 503 or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839.

Links to Better Health:

1. Colorectal Pilot Project
2. What is Colorectal Cancer
3. Screening for Colorectal Cancer
4. Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada
5. Screening Saves Lives 
    

 

Main Office 160 Exmouth Street Point Edward, ON, Canada N7T 7Z6 Phone: 519 383-8331 Toll free: 1-800-667-1839 Fax: 519 383-7092

Lambton Shared Services Centre 150 N. Christina Street Sarnia, ON N7T 8H3 Phone: 519 344-2057 Toll Free: 1-800-387-2882 Fax: 519 344-2025

Forest Office 59 King Street West Forest, ON, Canada N0N 1J0 Phone: 519 786-2148 Fax: 519 786-2149