Ontario Lowers Colorectal Cancer Screening Age to 45, Expanding FIT Tests Provincewide
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · Jul 1
Ontario Lowers Colorectal Cancer Screening Age to 45, Expanding FIT Tests Provincewide
3 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · Jul 1
Summary
July 1 made Ontarians aged 45 and older eligible for routine at-home FIT colorectal cancer screening, lowering the province’s starting age from 50 to 45.
Ontario said the shift responds to rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults; Cancer Care Ontario says 9 in 10 patients can be cured when the disease is caught early.
Abnormal FIT results can lead to colonoscopy referrals, while higher-risk people already receive colonoscopies starting at 40 or 10 years before a relative’s diagnosis.
Prince Edward Island lowered its screening age to 45 in March, and colorectal cancer advocates are pressing other provinces and territories—most still screen ages 50 to 74—to follow.
With survival rates over 90% for early detection, why haven't all provinces lowered the screening age to 45?
As screening starts at 45, is the healthcare system ready for the coming wave of colonoscopy referrals?
What is the 'medical mystery' driving the alarming surge of colorectal cancer in younger adults?
Ontario Expands Colorectal Cancer Screening to Ages 45+: Impacts, Implementation, and Lessons for Canada
Overview
Ontario has lowered the eligibility age for publicly funded colorectal cancer screening to 45 years old, effective July 1, 2026. This policy change allows all Ontarians aged 45 and above to access crucial screening services, aiming to expand access and enable earlier detection and intervention. Earlier detection can significantly improve patient outcomes, as colorectal cancer is often more treatable when found early. The expansion responds to growing evidence that the disease is increasingly affecting younger individuals, making screening accessible to a broader segment of the population and positioning Ontario as proactive in cancer prevention.