The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Update on Newfoundland and Labrador Colon Cancer Screening Program

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to provide an update on the Newfoundland and Labrador Colon Cancer Screening Program that was launched in July of this year.

The Provincial Government, in partnership with Eastern Health and Western Health, implemented this screening program with the intent to reduce provincial mortality rates through the early detection of cancer. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death in this province. Men and women can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer by eating a healthy diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables, being physically active, living smoke-free, drinking alcohol in moderation, and by participating in regular screening.

Mr. Speaker, this provincial program, administered by Eastern Health, was introduced in the western region of the province and will expand throughout the remainder of Newfoundland and Labrador over a three-year period. Through the program, men and women aged 50 to 74 are invited to request a take-home test known as a FIT kit from the Colon Cancer Screening Program by calling the toll-free line. The FIT is considered a very effective and user-friendly method for screening those at average risk for colon cancer.

To date, 857 FIT kits have been requested by people in western Newfoundland and of that number, 434 kits have been returned for testing. As a result, 60 individuals have been contacted regarding a need for follow-up testing. The uptake on the program has been better than anticipated and is aiding in the early detection of colon cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage residents of western Newfoundland who fall within the target group to contact the Colon Cancer Screening Program through the toll-free line or by email to participate in this effective screening program.

Our government is investing $3 million annually to fund this initiative. Over the past nine years we have invested over $140 million in cancer treatment and prevention, and we will continue to work to enhance cancer care in the province and to improve quality in our health care system through investments in equipment and services for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2012 12 06                         2:00 p.m.