Colorectal cancer screening in Canada: 2021/2022
Screening with Lynch Syndrome
Lynch Syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer) is an inherited condition that increases an individual’s risk of colorectal cancer. Increased colorectal screening, including colonoscopies, are often recommended for those diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome.
In Canada, most provinces and territories do not include individuals diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome in their organized screening program. These individuals are often referred to specialists instead.
Screening recommendations for individuals with Lynch Syndrome hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
| P/T | Jurisdiction does have screening recommendations for individuals with Lynch Syndrome | Jurisdiction does not have screening recommendations for individuals with Lynch Syndrome |
|---|---|---|
| YT | ✓ Follow recommendations of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology | |
| NT | ✓ Refer to specialist | |
| NU | ✓ | |
| BC | ✓ GPAC* Guidelines for screening | |
| AB | ✓ | |
| SK | ✓ | |
| MB | ✓ | |
| ON | ✓^ | |
| QC | ✓ | |
| NB | ✓ As per NB Colon Cancer Screening Clinical Practice Guidelines algorithm, Colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 20 or 10 years younger than the earliest case in the family, whichever comes first, is recommended for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch Syndrome. | |
| NS~ | ✓ For family history of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer – colonoscopy every 2-3 years beginning at age 20, or 10 years younger than the earliest case in the family. Genetic counseling is recommended. | |
| PE | ✓ Colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 20 or 10 years earlier than the individual’s youngest affected relative as per PE Colorectal Cancer Screening Clinical Practice Guidelines 2019. Individuals with Lynch Syndrome are not part of the Colorectal Screening Program due to the focus on average risk screening. |
|
| NL | ✓ Follow recommendations of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology |
BC: *Guidelines and Protocol Advisory Committee
ON: ^The program plans to develop screening recommendations for individuals with Lynch Syndrome in the future.
NS: ~Although Nova Scotia has screening recommendations for individuals with Lynch Syndrome, these are not part of the organized screening program.