Screening for Colorectal Cancer

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The Issue

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in Canada. Regular screening can diagnose the disease at an early stage when it is more treatable, therefore reducing mortality.

Background

Although the number of people affected with CRC is declining, it is still the third most common form of cancer, after breast and lung cancer in women, and prostate and lung cancer in men. Approximately 17,600 new cases will be diagnosed in Canada this year, with approximately 6,500 Canadians dying from CRC.

CRC is a malignant tumour that develops over a period of time (at least 10 years) on the bowel wall, before invading the wall and moving on to other organs. Approximately two-thirds of these cancers are found in the large intestine and one-third in the rectum. CRC usually develops from benign tumours or polyps found in the bowel.

Symptoms of CRC depend on the lesion's location, type, extent and complications, and may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• A change in bowel habit (alternating constipation and increased stool frequency)
• Stool streaked or mixed with blood
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen