Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Public Service Announcement
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is a disease that affects parts of the digestive system called the colon or rectum where a cancer or tumour may grow. Colorectal cancer is often preventable with regular screening and highly treatable when detected early.
The Department of Health is developing an organized screening program for earlier detection of colorectal cancer. Screening tests help healthcare providers test for the presence of cancer in someone who does not show signs or symptoms.
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for individuals between ages 50 and 74 and can be completed every two years. This colorectal screening can be done in the privacy of your home and is flexible to your schedule using a simple stool collection test. You do not require a restricted or special diet or medications to complete the screening.
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. We encourage Nunavummiut to contact their local health centre to determine if they qualify for a screening test and to learn more about colorectal cancer.
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Media Contact:
Danarae Sommerville
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
@email