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Ontario Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

The Ottawa Hospital is pleased to participate in Ontario’s new Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. This program aims to save lives by improving access to colorectal cancer screening exams for those at increased risk. Additional information can be found on the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Web site.

The program will improve access to colonoscopy screening for people

• between 50 and 74 years with a positive fecal occult blood test, OR
• with a family history of colorectal cancer - one or more first degree relative (father, mother, and/or sibling) diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Primary care providers, especially family physicians, play a vital role in delivering Ontario's Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. Research shows that a personal recommendation from a family physician or regular primary care provider dramatically increases participation in cancer screening.

General Practitioners

General Practitioners can directly refer patients with the indications listed above for colonoscopy screening at The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus. Please use the Referral Form and fax number provided below. Patients will be contacted directly by hospital staff to book an appointment time.

• Fax: 613-738-8460
• Guide for Referring Physicians
• Referral Form (PDF)
• Referral Form (WORD)

Patients

A referral from your family doctor is required. If you don't have a family doctor, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario can help you. Call them at 1-800-268-7096 ext. 306 or use their online Doctor Search database.

ColonCancerCheckUpdate Newsletter

Quick Facts About Colorectal Cancer

• Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer and yet it is curable 90 per cent of the time if detected in its early stages. Colorectal screening saves lives.
• Ontario has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world. In 2007, an estimated 7,800 Ontarians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 3,250 will die from the disease. Both men and women are affected.
• In May 2007, the Ontario government allocated $11 million to 54 hospitals, allowing approximately 34,000 more Ontarians to have access to colonoscopies during 2007/2008.