TAKE THE PLEDGE
Colon cancer is one of the LEADING causes of cancer deaths in men and women in Ontario. After age 50, your risk of getting this disease goes up. The good news is that you can help protect your health by doing an easy test called the FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST (FIT) if you are at average risk.
Someone is at AVERAGE RISK if they are 50 to 74 years old with no first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister or child) who has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
The FIT is a SAFE AND PAINLESS test that checks your stool (poop) for tiny drops of blood, which can be caused by colon cancer. You can do the test in the COMFORT AND PRIVACY of your own home, and it only takes a few minutes.
Someone is at INCREASED RISK if they have a family history of colon cancer that includes 1 or more first-degree relatives (parent, brother, sister or child) with the disease. If you think you may be at increased risk of getting colorectal cancer, be sure to SPEAK WITH YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR or nurse practitioner.
If colon cancer is CAUGHT EARLY, 9 out of every 10 people with the disease can be CURED. In its later stages, colon cancer can be treated, but beating it is less likely. If you do not get tested, you may miss out on the chance for early and more effective treatment.
Visit your family doctor or nurse practitioner to ask for a FIT*
You will get your free FIT in the mail
Complete your FIT. The test comes with simple instructions
Return completed FIT by following the instructions. Expect results in next few weeks.
*If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can get your free FIT from Telehealth Ontario by calling 1-866-797-0000; TTY: 1-866-797-0007
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Visit: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/colorectal/screening
Call toll-free: 1.866.662.9233 from Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)