‘Hopefully, we’ll be able to catch cancer sooner’
A screening program to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages is in the works for the territory.
A screening program to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages is in the works for the territory.
It is the second-most diagnosed form of cancer in the territory, for both men and women.
Premier Darrell Pasloski made the announcement Friday afternoon while speaking at the Yukon Medical Association’s (YMA’s) annual general meeting in Whitehorse.
It’s an initiative advocated for by Dr. Brendan Hanley, the Yukon’s chief medical officer of health, for a number of years.
“Earlier this year, Dr. Hanley and the deputy minister of Health and Social Services made a very persuasive presentation to my caucus,” Pasloski said.
Over the summer, Hanley had a graduate student working under him, who undertook a study on the Yukon’s cancer rates.
The study revealed that colon cancer is the second-highest cause of cancer death among men, and third-highest among women in the territory.
In 10 years between 2002 and 2012, there were 174 cases of colon cancer diagnosed in the Yukon – nearly 90 per cent of those cases were in people over the age of 50.
“There’s a significant amount of colorectal cancer in the Yukon,” said Pat Living, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Services.
“It’s one of those things where we can make a difference if it’s detected earlier on. The sooner you find it, the sooner you can deal with it.”
Currently in the territory, colon cancer is primarily diagnosed through colonoscopies.
For those over 50 years old, this type of cancer can be detected earlier by a procedure called the fecal immunochemical test, or “FIT test.”
This detection system is much less invasive than colonoscopies – and can be completed at home.
If there was an abnormal result from the FIT test, a physician could then recommend more intensive testing, such as a colonoscopy.
As the territory’s population ages, there will be an increasing number of people requiring testing – the FIT test being the simple first step of detection in those over 50.
“Without this screening program, we are missing a real opportunity to do something good – both to save patients, and to use health care resources wisely,” Pasloski said.
The screening program will be formally announced in 2016.
Over the next couple of months, Hanley and departmental representatives will work to develop the program.
“We now have the go-ahead,” Living said.
As for the costs of bringing the screening program to the territory, Living said it’s something that will be worked on as the planning and designing of the program takes shape.
Comparing the cost difference between the FIT testing and colonoscopies is something that will need to be considered, Living added.
“It’s the way of the future,” said Alison O’Hearn, the YMA’s new president.
“It’s what other provinces are doing. Hopefully, we’ll be able to catch cancer sooner.”
Comments (6)
Up 3 Down 0
Cancer in Family on Nov 15, 2015 at 11:20 am
JC, couldn't agree with you more. Cancer is a enormous industry worldwide that is making a lot of very large companies extremely profitable. It's not in their best interests to find an actual cure, just expensive treatments that improve their bottom line. A lot of people are starting to realize that fact, this is coming from someone who has lost 2 family members to cancer.
Up 6 Down 1
Lost in the Yukon on Nov 14, 2015 at 1:17 pm
I think someone should have proof read that title.
Up 7 Down 3
north_of_60 on Nov 12, 2015 at 11:01 am
@JC
The 'cure' for most cancers is to stop consuming chemical contaminants in our food, water, and air. Unfortunately those chemical contaminants are the unintended consequence of an industrialized society which puts profit ahead of health.
Up 7 Down 3
JC for the stone ages on Nov 10, 2015 at 12:51 pm
JC for the stone ages. If you knew anything about cancer and how far we have come - a lot of cancers are treated and cured today. As part of family that has doctors on both sides this is the most respect I have every heard.
Up 16 Down 5
JC on Nov 9, 2015 at 5:53 pm
They have been telling us for almost a hundred years that the medical scientists are searching for a cure for cancer. We are now in the 21st century and still no cure. I finally realized that they are not looking for a cure, but treatments. You see, a cure would put many pharmaceutical companies out of business around the world. However, a treatment - and there have been many over the last decades - will bring in millions to the pharmaceutical companies, not to mention the researchers. I believe without a doubt that a cure for cancers could have been found by now. Maybe it's time the governments held them to account. Anyway, don't expect that to happen anytime soon. And if you are in your 20s, don't expect a cure in your lifetime.
Up 13 Down 2
BnR on Nov 9, 2015 at 5:41 pm
‘Hopefully, we’ll be able to catch cancer sooner’
Oh man, I hope not. I'd like to delay that as long as possible.