Home / Health / Ontario Slashes Colorectal Cancer Screening Age to 45
Ontario Slashes Colorectal Cancer Screening Age to 45
1 Jul
Summary
- Ontario lowered its colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45.
- This change allows more adults to receive early detection through FIT tests.
- Colorectal cancer is increasing among younger adults in Canada.
As of July 1, 2026, Ontario has lowered the routine age for colorectal cancer screening to 45, making it the second Canadian province to do so after Prince Edward Island. This initiative provides access to the at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for Ontarians aged 45 and older, a crucial step in early detection.
Colorectal cancer is observed to be on the rise among younger adults. Early detection and removal of polyps can significantly improve outcomes. Experts like Barry Stein, president of Colorectal Cancer Canada, and the Canadian Cancer Society are advocating for other provinces and territories to adopt similar age reductions.
Early detection is key, as nine out of ten people can be cured if colorectal cancer is identified early. While current recommendations for most provinces are for ages 50-74, those with a higher risk, based on family history, can undergo specialized screening like colonoscopies starting at age 40. The FIT test is a vital tool, though not infallible, and is recommended for average-risk individuals.
Cancer survivors, like Trish Riley from Ottawa, express strong support for these measures. Riley, diagnosed at age 51, emphasizes the importance of early testing, noting that her cancer could potentially have been found earlier if screening were available when she was 45. She is thrilled Ontario is following P.E.I.'s lead and hopes other provinces will do the same to prevent late-stage diagnoses.
