GOVERNMENT DELIVERS ON HEALTH CARE PROMISE

Health Minister Don McMorris announced a new initiative today, one that fulfils a government promise to support improved cancer care within our province.

Residents of Five Hills Health Region will soon have access to a screening program that can help detect early signs of colorectal cancer. The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency will operate the Screening Program, a population-based provincial screening program for the early detection of the disease. Approximately $1.1 million is being spent on planning and implementation of the program's first phase in Five Hills Health Region.

"Early detection and treatment can make a tremendous difference in patients' survival rates, and we want to offer them every opportunity for early diagnosis, prompt treatment and a full recovery," McMorris said. "This is just one step in our governments promise to strengthen cancer care for the people of Saskatchewan.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, after prostate cancer and breast cancer. The incidence of colorectal cancer has risen nearly 13 per cent in the last 10 years.

"Early detection is key to preventing colorectal cancer, and I am pleased that we are building a screening program that can help save lives," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency CEO Bob Allen said. "When diagnosed in its early stages, colorectal cancer can be treated successfully."

The Agency will use a new, advanced fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to screen participants. This simple test can be done in the privacy of the home and can detect blood in the stool that is not visible to the naked eye.

Phase one of the program is expected to start in the spring of 2009. Men and women between the ages of 50 and 74 in the Five Hills Health Region will be invited to participate.

"Five Hills Health Region is pleased to partner with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency on this very important project," Five Hills Health Region Interim CEO Cheryl Craig said. "We strongly encourage eligible residents of our region to participate. Screening for colorectal cancer is essential for early detection."

All Saskatchewan residents currently have access to screening for colorectal cancer. Patients are encouraged to discuss colorectal cancer risk factors and screening options with their family doctor.

Every year, approximately 650 Saskatchewan residents are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and about 250 die from the disease. For information on the program or the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency visit www.saskcancer.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: khill@health.gov.sk.ca

Gladys Wasylenchuk
Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
Regina
Phone: 306-791-2144
Email: gladys.wasylenchuk@saskcancer.ca

Craig Beesley
Five Hills Health Region
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-0300
Email: craig@fhhr.ca