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Programs & Services

Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

 Location: Alberta Wide

The Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program is a provincial screening program that works to increase the number of individuals, aged 50 to 74, who get screened regularly for colorectal cancer using the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). FIT is a home stool test (poop test) that finds blood in the stool. The program also works to help educate individuals about the importance of colorectal cancer screening.

Getting screened regularly is the best way to find colorectal cancer early when treatment is more effective.

Services include:

  • working with healthcare providers to support Albertans aged 50 to 74 in getting colorectal cancer screening across the province
  • providing colorectal cancer screening information and education to eligible Albertans and healthcare providers
  • providing eligible Albertans aged 50 to 74 the option to order a free FIT kit online or by phone and have it mailed to their home
  • sending FIT result letters to eligible individuals

For more information, visit our website.

Contact Details

Alberta Wide

Tollfree
1-866-727-3926
Getting There

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Hours of Operation
Note
Service hours not available.
Access
Service Providers May Include
doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses (RNs)
Eligibility

Based on Albertan and Canadian recommendations (guidelines):

  • individuals, aged 50 to74, who live in Alberta and have no symptoms and no family history in a first degree relative are eligible for regular colorectal cancer screening using FIT every year
  • adults with an abnormal result (FIT positive) are recommended to have follow-up testing using a specialized test called a colonoscopy
  • individuals with a higher chance (increased risk) of developing colorectal cancer (personal / family history of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps in an immediate family member) should be screened regularly using a colonoscopy

In these cases, screening colonoscopies may begin at age 40. Screening using FIT is not recommended for these individuals. Talk to your healthcare provider about which test is right for you.

Service Access

FIT is a simple test you can do at home. If you're eligible, your healthcare provider will give you a lab requisition to take to the lab to pick up your FIT kit. If you're aged 50 to 74, you can order a FIT kit online at screeningforlife.ca or by phone. If you're eligible, the FIT kit will be mailed to your home.
The ACRCSP does not perform screening colonoscopies. If a colonoscopy is needed, your healthcare provider will make a referral for you. If you are having gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, please let your healthcare provider know.


Service Languages
Interpreter/Translation services
Also Known As
Acronym
ACRCSP, FIT Test
Other
Fecal Immunochemical Test