What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum, which together form the large intestine (large bowel). The colon is a hollow tube that is 5 to 6 feet long and is located in the abdomen. The rectum is the last six inches of the colon. The colon is a hardworking organ that helps our bodies take in water and remove waste.
Cancer in the colon or rectum can take up to 10 years or more to develop to an advanced stage. Regular screening is essential because it can detect cancer early or find precancerous polyps before they turn malignant.
Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related disease and death in Ontario for both men and women. But when colon cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people with the disease can be cured.
Who Should Get Screened
People are considered eligible for colorectal cancer screening based on their risk level:
1. Average risk: people ages 50 to 74 with no immediate relatives (parent, brother, sister or child) who have or have had colon cancer.
2. Increased risk: people with a family history of colon cancer that includes one or more immediate relatives (parent, brother, sister or child).
People with increased risk need screening to begin earlier and with a different test, colonoscopy.
People with average risk can get checked for colon cancer with an at-home test called the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
The Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) is the screening method for average risk people between the ages of 50 and 74, do not have a parent, sibling or child who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, and do not have signs or symptoms of colon cancer.
The FIT is:
A simple at-home test that checks stool for tiny traces of blood
Only takes a few minutes to do
Requires only one stool sample (poop)
Does not require diet changes or stopping your medications
Recommended every 2 years for average risk people
If FIT results are abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy is required.
OHIP pays for colon cancer screening with both the at-home test (FIT) and colonoscopy, so there is no cost to you. A healthcare provider must order an at-home test for you. To get an at-home test, reach out to your primary care provider.
Online Resources
Colon cancer testing and prevention (Ontario Ministry of Health)
Edited February 23, 2026