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The National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network
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Printer-friendly versionWorking together to fight Canada's second leading cause of cancer death
June 15, 2009 — Chaired by Dr. Heather Bryant, the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network is made up of representatives from across Canadian jurisdictions and key cancer control community partners. Established in late 2007, the group acts as a national forum to review, discuss and take action on matters of mutual interest or concern related to colorectal screening.
Cancer screening participation rates are especially low for colorectal cancer. There are also issues that need to be considered in providing high-quality screening and diagnosis, without causing strain on the system that diagnoses people with active symptoms. To help address this, the network has provided a forum to discuss these issues and to move forward with organized colorectal cancer screening programs. The majority of provinces and territories have now made commitments to establishing organized colorectal cancer screening programs.
In 2009, the group is also set to launch a national campaign to build public and professional awareness of the importance of screening for colorectal cancer. With the goal of encouraging all Canadians age 50 to 74 to actively gain information and seek screening within their provincial program options, the campaign will work to clarify any myths or fears about screening options and ensure that Canadians – no matter where they live – understand the importance of screening and early detection.
In the spring, a group of experts was sponsored to convene a forum on quality determinants and quality indicators that will be applicable to all Canadian provinces and territories. Through these efforts, the group plans to establish measures to indicate the quality and consistency of colorectal screening and develop elements for consistent information sharing.
The network is working quickly and closely to share information and identify the unique needs of each jurisdiction throughout the implementation of organized colorectal cancer screening programs across Canada. Over the long term, the expected impact is that colorectal cancer will be diagnosed at an earlier stage, reducing both the incidence and mortality of this cancer.
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