The population-based Colon Screening Program started with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) being made available through MSP funding on 1 April 2013. The full program pathway was phased into all regional health authorities in November 2013.

The program pathway is primary-care based, with primary-care providers referring asymptomatic individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 for a screening test—either the FIT or colonoscopy, depending on the patient’s risk of developing colon cancer.

Over the past year we have received a number of questions from primary-care providers across BC about the program. The following frequently asked questions are answered in a blog published on bcmj.org [10], along with a breakdown of program statistics:

•    Why don’t we repeat FIT in 2 years if a patient has a positive FIT and a negative (or normal) colonoscopy?
•    Why does the program only screen 50- to 74-year-olds?
•    What is the value of referring patients to this program?

For more information on the Colon Screening Program, or to access program materials including the colonoscopy referral form, educational materials, and program standards, please visit www.screeningbc.ca/colon [11].
—Jennifer Telford, MD