YELLOWKNIFE (February 18, 2020) - In an effort to increase the rates of colorectal cancer screening in the Northwest Territories, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is piloting a new initiative distributing the fecal immunochemical tests or “FIT” screening kits directly to eligible residents through the mail. The FIT is a stool test that looks for microscopic drops of blood, which can be caused by colorectal cancer. The test is accurate, easy, and can be done at home.
Screening is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer. When colorectal cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people can be cured.
The first phase of this pilot project will focus on the Beaufort-Delta region. Currently, only 16% of the eligible population in the Beaufort-Delta region participates in colorectal cancer screening. This is less than the Territorial average of 21.9% and far less than the national goal of 60%.
After receiving a screening test in the mail, eligible residents will then receive follow-ups by phone, result letters, and if needed in-person appointments with Community Health Representatives, who have received training on the FIT and colorectal cancer screening.
Men and women aged 50-74, who are considered average-risk, should routinely complete a FIT every one to two years. For any questions regarding colorectal cancer screening or eligibility for the FIT, contact your healthcare provider for more information or check out www.cancernwt.ca.
Quotes
“Every time we find an early stage cancer that can be treated, allowing that person to go on living cancer-free, the whole team at the hospital/community health centre celebrates. The single most important step in the process of finding and treating cancer is not the quality of the doctor or the fancy equipment, it’s the willingness of the individual to come forward and be tested.”
Mark Prins, MD CCFP, Beaufort-Delta Region, NTHSSA
"As a community we can face the disease head-on by giving support to those afflicted with cancer, the care providers and families. We can help by giving support and by urging all who may be afraid or are unsure to get screened."
Ray Ruben, Caregiver and Mayor of Paulatuk
Quick Facts
- FIT stands for Fecal Immunochemical Test and is a colorectal cancer screening test.
- A review of current colorectal cancer screening rates in the NWT show only 21.9% uptake in the eligible population, with only 16% of eligible residents in the Beaufort-Delta completing the screening test.
- The NWT Colorectal Cancer Screening Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend that men and women of average risk aged 50-74 are screening every 1 to 2 years with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). You are considered average risk if:
- No signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer
- No personal history of colorectal cancer
- No immediate family (parent, sibling, child) history with colorectal cancer
- No genetic syndromes
- No inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)
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Media Contact
David Maguire
Manager, Communications
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority
TEL: 867-767-9107 ext. 40150
EMAIL: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca