Health and Community Services
July 23, 2015

Delivering Innovative Approaches to Care

Colon Cancer Screening Program Expands to Eastern Region

The Provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program has expanded to the Eastern region, making it accessible now to residents throughout all regions of the province. The program ensures that residents who are at an average risk of colorectal cancer can be screened for early detection and diagnosis of colon cancer.

“With the expansion of the Colon Cancer Screening Program to the Eastern region of the island, our government has achieved its vision of a province-wide screening program by 2015. The home-based nature of the program means that screening can be done by participants in the comfort of their own homes and also means that testing can be extended to more people in a broader range of areas at a faster rate. The Colon Cancer Screening Program represents a $4.3 million investment by our government, and we will continue to invest in equipment and services for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The Provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program, administered by Eastern Health as part of the Cancer Care Program, is designed for individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 who are at average risk for colon cancer. Through the program, individuals can request a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit to complete home screening. Since the implementation of the program in 2012, more than 10,300 kits have been mailed to individuals and approximately 76 per cent have returned the kit for analysis. Returned samples are analyzed by health care professionals and individuals with positive test results are contacted for a follow-up colonoscopy. Those with negative results are rescreened in two years.

“General screening aligns with Eastern Health’s strategic priorities of improved access to services, increased focus on the health of whole populations and an ongoing commitment to the highest possible quality of care. The Colon Cancer Screening Program represents all of that and more as we work to identify and treat those in our target population before they become sick. We know that cancer can be detected early and treated successfully. But only by working in partnership with those we serve can we transform that knowledge into reality.”
- David Diamond, President and CEO, Eastern Health

In addition to the program’s expansion, a newly-renovated third endoscopy procedure room has been opened at St. Clare’s Hospital in St. John’s. The room will be used for colonoscopies which may be needed as a result of screening, as well as enhancing capacity for endoscopic procedures overall.

“This screening program is a proactive and wide-reaching method toward prevention and early detection of colon cancer among the greatest number of people. If detected early, about 90 per cent of colon cancers can be prevented or treated successfully. The home screening kit puts you in control of your health, in partnership with your health care providers. It takes only a few minutes of your time, but could literally save your life.”
- Katherine Chubbs, Vice-President of Cancer Care and Medicine Programs, Eastern Health

The Provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program is an initiative of the Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework. The policy framework aims to strengthen services for the prevention and treatment of cancer to ensure the best possible health outcomes for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Enhancing cancer care for the people of our province is an ongoing goal for the Power of Life Project, a partnership between Newfoundland Power and the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation. Through this project, our employees, retirees and customers raise funds for cancer treatment equipment and support programs while promoting early detection and cancer screening through education and awareness programs. We are proud to support the provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program because we believe in making a difference right here in Newfoundland and Labrador each and every day.”
- Jocelyn Perry, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer and Champion for the Power of Life Project, Newfoundland Power

The Provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program was launched in 2012 through an investment of $4.3 million over three years. For more information on the program, visit Cancer Care at www.easternhealth.ca .

QUICK FACTS:

• The Provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program has expanded to the eastern region, making it accessible now to residents throughout all regions of the province.
• The purpose of the program is to ensure individuals at an average risk of colorectal cancer are screened for early detection and diagnosis.
• Through the program, individuals can request a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit to complete screening in the privacy of their own homes.
• In addition to the Provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program expansion, a newly-renovated third endoscopy procedure room has been opened at St. Clare’s Hospital in St. John’s.
• For more information on the Provincial Colon Cancer Screening Program, visit Cancer Care at www.easternhealth.ca .

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Tracey Boland Media Relations Manager Eastern Health 709-777-1412 TraceyL.Boland@easternhealth.ca
Michele Coughlan Manager, Public Affairs Newfoundland Power Inc. 709-737-2821, 682-1470 mcoughlan@newfoundlandpower.com

2015 07 23                              1:30 p.m.