Easier access to colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Québec, after lung cancer. The goal of screening is to reduce the risk of death due to colorectal cancer. It can detect some colorectal cancers before signs and symptoms appear. The chances of recovery and survival are higher when treatment begins while the disease is in an early stage.

Colorectal cancer screening is for:

• People between the ages of 50 and 74 at average risk (with no symptoms or other risk factors). Undergoing colorectal cancer screening every 2 years is recommended. 
• People aged up to 49 whose families include one or more people who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. 

For more information and to help you make an informed decision, look at the Decision Aid. 

How the screening works

• Make an appointment through  Clic Santé (under Blood Test, Screening and Specimens) to get an assessment by a nurse.
• Following the assessment, you will be given the materials for the screening so that you can take a stool sample at home.
• The sample must be returned to the local screening service point.
• After the sample is analyzed, the appropriate follow-up for the results will be made by a healthcare professional. Based on the results, a referral may be made for an endoscopic examination.