Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – March 2019

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada and affects more than 26,000 Canadians a year. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

There is no single cause of colorectal cancer. It can develop over a long period of time without any signs or symptoms. However, when signs and symptoms do arise, it’s important to see your doctor as treatments are most effective when the cancer is found and treated as early as possible. That’s what makes education and awareness about the risk factors for colorectal cancer so important. 

Age and family history are some factors that increase our risk. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends that men and women aged 50-74 get screened regularly as part of routine medical care, even if no symptoms are present. 

The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, has invested more than $13.1 million in colorectal cancer research over the last three years. This funding is supporting innovative research, such as that of a University of Calgary research team that is exploring better ways to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage. The team is building from the work of colleagues at McGill University who discovered the CEA blood test, which is the most commonly used screening tool for colorectal cancer.

Through the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Government also monitors national cancer trends to inform cancer prevention and control programs that will help to reduce the burden of cancer in Canada. PHAC is part of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network, which aims to improve participation rates of colorectal cancer screening in Canada. 

Canadians can reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by making healthy food choices, being active, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and leading a healthier lifestyle. I encourage all Canadians to get informed and to take steps to lower their risk of developing colorectal cancer, including speaking with their healthcare professionals about screening. 

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health

For more information:

Cancer Information Hotline: Canadian Cancer Society 
Data Blog – Colorectal Cancer Month 
Colorectal Cancer Publications
Colorectal Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines
Canadian Cancer Statistics