Ontario lowers colorectal cancer screening age to 45

Ontario has lowered the routine age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45, making it the second province in Canada to do so after Prince Edward Island. As of July 1, people in Ontario age 45 and older can get an athome fecal immunochemical test, or FIT, which checks for blood in the stool. If the test result is abnormal, patients can be referred for a colonoscopy. Health groups say the change reflects rising diagnoses among younger adults and may help detect cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective. Colorectal Cancer Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society are urging other provinces and territories to adopt similar screening policies for people at average risk. They say regular stool testing, combined with followup care, can reduce deaths from colorectal cancer and may lower healthcare costs. The article also notes that people at higher risk — including those with certain family histories — should already be getting colonoscopies starting at age 40 or earlier, and that anyone with symptoms such as blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits should see a healthcare provider rather than use a screening test.