Colon cancer is one of the most common — and most preventable — cancers in Ontario. The good news? 9 out of 10 people can be cured if it’s caught early. Screening helps find cancer early or detect polyps before they turn into cancer. Even if no one in your family has had colon cancer, screening is still important.​

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Who Should Get Checked?

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Most cases of colon cancer occur in people over 50. You should get screened if you:

 

• Are between the ages of 50 and 74

• Have no symptoms like changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding

• Have no family history of colon cancer

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This group is considered average risk and can do an at-home test every two years.

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Two Ways to Get Screened

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1. FIT Test – For Average Risk

The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a free, simple, at-home kit that checks for hidden blood in your stool — an early sign of colon cancer or polyps.

• No diet or medication changes are needed

• Only one sample is required

• You collect it at home and mail it back in the pre-paid envelope

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2. Colonoscopy – For High Risk

You should have a colonoscopy instead of a FIT if you:

• Have a parent, sibling, or child with colon cancer

• Have a history of colon polyps

• Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

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👉 If you have a family history:

• Start screening at age 50, or 10 years earlier than the age your relative was diagnosed, whichever comes first

• Your doctor will tell you how often to repeat the test based on your results

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Do You Have Symptoms?

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If you have gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• Rectal bleeding

• Abdominal pain

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools)

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Please book an appointment with our clinic first. You’ll need a full assessment before screening.