RQHR residents take part in colorectal screening program

Nearly 4,200 Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) residents have taken part in a screening program for colorectal cancer since it was introduced to the Health Region in June.

“Every person screened is a potential life saved and that has a significant impact on patients, families and communities,” said Scott Livingstone, chief executive officer of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency which operates the screening program.

The agency, using data provided by the Ministry of Health, is mailing a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to RQHR residents between the ages of 50 and 74. These residents will receive an invitation letter to participate in colorectal cancer screening along with a FIT based on their birth month and odd/even birth year.

The test detects minute amounts of blood in the stool. An abnormal result could indicate growths or polyps, bowel disease or even colorectal cancer.

Participants complete the FIT at home and then return the sample to the Saskatchewan Disease Control Lab for testing.

Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Each year in Saskatchewan, approximately 650 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 240 die from it.

The program is being phased in across the province. For details, visit www.saskcancer.ca.