In January 2007, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario announced the launch of a new provincial colorectal cancer screening program in Ontario.

 

This organized, province-wide population-based program aims to save lives by having more people screened earlier.

 

The target population is Ontario men and women, 50 years of age or older. Those who are at average risk (individuals 50 years of age and older who have no family history of colorectal cancer or any symptoms) should be screened every two years using an easy-to-use home screening test called the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). For those at increased risk because of family history, screening should begin at age 40 or 10 years prior to the date of diagnosis of their first degree relative. (i.e. if the first degree relative was diagnosed at 45, then the individual should begin screening at 35).

 

During 2008/2009, there will be increased access to screening through a wide distribution of branded FOBT kits to family physicians, other primary care sites, and for people without a family physician, through pharmacists and Telehealth Ontario.

 

In May 2007, the Ontario government allocated $11 million to 54 hospitals, allowing approximately 34,000 more Ontarians to have access to screening colonoscopies during 2007/2008.

 

Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is pleased to participate in Ontario's new Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. This program aims to save lives by improving access to colorectal cancer screening exams for those at increased risk.

Information For General Practitioners

 

Primary care providers, especially family physicians, play a vital role in delivering Ontario’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. Research shows that a personal recommendation from a family physician or regular primary care provider dramatically increases participation in cancer screening.

 

General Practitioners can directly refer patients with the indications listed above for colonoscopy screening at OSMH. Please use the Referral Form and fax number provided. Patients will be contacted directly by hospital staff to book an appointment time.