PEI first in Canada to lower colorectal cancer screening age
Prince Edward Island is leading the country in health care again as the first province in Canada to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45, improving early detection to save lives.
This change means more Islanders will be screened sooner, helping to catch cancer earlier, when it is most treatable and in many cases prevent it altogether.
“Too many families have felt the impact of cancer, and we know the difference early detection can make,” said Premier Rob Lantz. “By acting now, our province is leading the country and giving Islanders a better chance, not just at treatment, but at survival.”
Islanders aged 45 to 74 at average risk will now be eligible for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years. The FIT is a simple, at-home screening test that can detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms appear.
“Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, and we cannot afford to wait,” said Health and Wellness Minister Cory Deagle. “Lowering the screening age to 45 is a decisive, evidence-based step that will save lives. It means finding cancer earlier, reducing the need for aggressive treatment, and in some cases, preventing it entirely.”
This decision reflects growing national and international evidence that earlier screening improves outcomes and reduces late-stage diagnoses.
“Screening at 45 allows us to catch issues earlier, often before cancer even develops,” said Dr. Erin McCarvill, Family Physician in Oncology and Medical Advisor for Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection for Health PEI “Our teams have carefully reviewed capacity, and we are ready to support this expansion while continuing to provide timely care for Islanders.”
“Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger Canadians, and Prince Edward Island’s decision to lower the starting age for screening to 45—the first province in Canada to do so—will help detect more cancers earlier, when treatment is most effective. To save more lives, we urge all provinces and territories to follow PEI’s lead. Everyone in Canada deserves timely access to screening that reflects today’s cancer trends, and jurisdictions that act quickly can help change the trajectory of colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President (Mission, Research and Advocacy), Canadian Cancer Society
“Prince Edward Island is setting a powerful example for the rest of Canada by becoming the first province to lower the starting age for average-risk colorectal cancer screening to 45. At Colorectal Cancer Canada, through our Screen at 45 campaign, we have called for this change because the evidence is clear: screening earlier can detect colorectal cancer sooner, prevent cancers from developing, and ultimately save lives. We commend PEI for its leadership and urge other provinces and territories to follow without delay,” said President and CEO, Colorectal Cancer Canada Barry D. Stein.
Islanders can order a FIT online or request one from their health care provider.
For more information about eligibility and how Islanders can participate in the screening program, visit the Colorectal Cancer Screening program website.
Media contact:
Autumn Tremere
Department of Health and Wellness
agtremere@gov.pe.ca
Dave Atkinson
Health PEI
datkinson@ihis.org
Backgrounder:
About colorectal cancer rates and screening
- Prince Edward Island is the first province in Canada to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45.
- The program expansion is expected to require about 1,500 to 2,000 additional FIT tests and 150 to 200 more colonoscopies over 30 months.
Health PEI has been preparing for this increase, and the system is ready for an influx of testing, including endoscopy services, hospital capacity, and laboratory support.
Islanders aged 45 to 74 at average risk are eligible for screening every two years using a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
- Currently the PEI health system maintains a 60-day benchmark for colonoscopy wait times.
- Colorectal cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancer among Islanders.
- On average, about 140 new cases of colorectal cancer and 39 related deaths occur each year in PEI.
- Rates of colorectal cancer are rising among adults under the age of 50.
- Screening can detect colorectal cancer early or prevent it entirely by identifying and removing precancerous polyps.
- Evidence shows earlier screening reduces late-stage diagnoses and improves survival rates.
- For every 100 additional colonoscopies, an estimated 2.8 cancer cases and 1.2 deaths can be prevented.
- Earlier screening is supported by leading organizations, including Colorectal Cancer Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.
- National evidence suggests earlier screening can reduce long-term health care costs by avoiding advanced cancer treatment.