CancerCare Manitoba is encouraging more Manitobans to take part in routine colorectal cancer screening, particularly in northern communities where participation rates remain the lowest in the province.
The agency is promoting its free at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which is automatically mailed every two years to eligible Manitobans between the ages of 50 and 74 who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.
According to CancerCare Manitoba, the Northern Health Region recorded the province’s lowest colorectal cancer screening participation during the July 2020 to December 2022 reporting period, when the province was using the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT).
Since June 2023, Manitoba has transitioned to the newer FIT, which officials say is easier to use and more effective at detecting colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous growths.
“The FIT is an effective, convenient, and accessible screening tool for most Manitobans aged 50 to 74 who are at average risk for colorectal cancer,” said Twylla Krueger, Director of Communications at CancerCare Manitoba.
Unlike the previous test, the FIT requires only a single stool sample and has no dietary or medication restrictions. The test is completed privately at home and screens for human blood in stool, which can be an early indicator of colorectal cancer.
ColonCheck, CancerCare Manitoba’s colorectal cancer screening program, automatically mails FIT kits to eligible Manitobans when they turn 50 and every two years thereafter. Kits can also be requested online or arranged through healthcare providers.
Krueger said participation rates vary across the province, with men generally less likely than women to complete screening and people in their 50s participating less often than older eligible adults.
CancerCare Manitoba continues to work with healthcare providers, community organizations and regional partners to improve awareness and access to screening, particularly in northern and rural communities.
The organization is also working to reduce the stigma surrounding bowel health through public education campaigns and community outreach.
Its “Sit. Swab. Send.” campaign uses direct messaging to encourage participation, including the slogan, “Yes, it’s a poop test. And yes, it could save your life.”
Health educators regularly attend community events throughout Manitoba, including in the Northern Health Region, where they provide information, answer questions and distribute FIT kits. Residents can also speak with health educators by telephone if they have questions about the screening process.
CancerCare Manitoba says screening is intended for people who have no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding or other concerning bowel changes should seek medical attention rather than wait for routine screening.
Regular screening can detect colorectal cancer before symptoms develop and identify precancerous growths that can be removed before they become cancer.
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or certain bowel diseases may require different screening approaches and should consult their healthcare provider.
CancerCare Manitoba says increasing participation in colorectal cancer screening remains a priority because early detection improves treatment outcomes and can help prevent cancer altogether.
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 25, 2026 at 22:32
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