Re: One smokescreen after another getting colon cancer test, Aug. 21

One smokescreen after another getting colon cancer test, Aug. 21

I was concerned to read about the challenges Dorothy Pedersen faced in obtaining the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) to screen for colon cancer.

Cancer Care Ontario recommends that Ontarians ages 50 to 74 who are at average risk for colon cancer get checked with an FOBT every two years. Eligible individuals can get an FOBT from their family doctor or nurse practitioner.

People like Ms. Pedersen who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner can access an FOBT kit through Telehealth Ontario or participating pharmacies. However, as Ms. Pedersen experienced, not all pharmacies participate in the ColonCancerCheck program. We are assessing this.

Telehealth Ontario and participating pharmacies require some personal information to order an FOBT. The lab requires this information to process the FOBT and allows Cancer Care Ontario to contact participants with their results. This information is kept confidential.

I want to thank Ms. Pedersen for her article and for her suggestion that we mail kits directly to people with the letter inviting them to participate. This feedback is helpful to us as we plan future improvements to the ColonCancerCheck program.