(Quebec) Colorectal cancer screening is now offered at selected local service points in all regions of Quebec to facilitate access to this service for the population.
In a press release published Monday, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, specified that Quebecers could make an appointment now, on the Clic Santé web portal or by telephone.
The objective of this announcement is that people aged 50 to 74 can have more rapid access to colorectal cancer screening, whether they are referred by a doctor or not. The authorities point out that these people represent the age group most likely to be affected by this type of cancer.
Access to screening has been based, since 2013 until today, on the prescription of a test by a doctor or specialist nurse practitioner.
Colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer mortality in Quebec. The government wants to increase the number of people who are screened each year in order to detect this cancer before symptoms appear.
By entrusting a role to local service points set up to relieve congestion in hospitals, the government is also calling on other professionals such as nurses, who will now be able to detect cases of colorectal cancer outside hospitals.
The Ministry of Health recalls that adopting a healthy and active lifestyle as well as reducing smoking, alcohol consumption and processed meat consumption contribute to preventing colorectal cancer and related mortality. is associated.