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Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. In the early stages, there are no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Screening saves lives by detecting non-cancerous polyps and cancer early. If colon cancer is detected at its earliest stage, the chance of survival is greater than 90 percent.
Colon Cancer Screening in BC is organized under a partnership framework with regional health authorities, laboratory service providers, primary care providers, and specialists. The BC Cancer Agency provides oversight for organized cancer screening in BC. Island Health delivers Colon Screening Program services to its population in the South, Central and North Island through regional offices in both Nanaimo and in Victoria.
General Information on Colon Screening Program
Referral Required?
Required
How to get a Referral
There are two screening tests for colon cancer – the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for average risk individuals, and colonoscopy for individuals at higher risk. If you are eligible, any primary care provider can order these tests for you.
In general, anyone between the ages of 50-74 who is experiencing no symptoms should be screened for colon cancer with a FIT test. If you receive an abnormal result from your FIT test, it does NOT mean you have cancer. However, it is very important to attend follow up tests to determine the reason for the abnormal result. Usually, the recommended follow up is a colonoscopy.
Anyone experiencing symptoms, or with a personal history of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis or crohn’s disease has individual needs that cannot be met with a population approach to screening. These patients should obtain care and diagnostic testing through their primary care providers or specialists rather than the Colon Screening Program.
Preparing for Your Visit
If a colonoscopy procedure is recommended for you through the Colon Screening Program, someone from either the Central Island or South Island office will contact you. You will undergo a telephone health assessment and your colonoscopy will be scheduled at an Island Health Hospital or Surgical Centre, as appropriate. You will receive detailed information about the procedure, instructions on how to prepare, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Contact Us
Central Island Colon Screening Program Office
Telephone: 250-755-7984
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and statutory holidays.
South Island Colon Screening Program Office
Telephone: 250-388-2312
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and statutory holidays.
After Your Visit
After Your Colonoscopy
Following your colonoscopy, you will be contacted by a Colon Screening Program Nurse Navigator. The nurse will review your procedure results, and will inform you of any further monitoring or surveillance recommendations. Ongoing surveillance is recommended for everyone until the age of 74, but varies depending on your colonoscopy results, personal history, and family history. You will either be mailed a reminder when it is time to repeat the FIT test, or you will be contacted in the future to schedule a surveillance procedure when due.