Colon cancer is cancer of the large bowel (colon), which is the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last six inches of the colon. Together, they are called “colorectal cancer” (commonly called “colon cancer” or “bowel cancer”).
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in Ontario. If colon cancer is found early, nine out of every 10 people with the disease can be cured. In its later stages, colon cancer can be treated, but beating it is less likely. You can help protect your health by doing the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
The FIT is a safe and painless colon cancer screening test that can be done at home and only takes a few minutes. The FIT checks for tiny drops of blood in the stool (poop), which could be caused by colon cancer or polyps (growths in the colon or rectum that can turn into cancer over time).
Starting July 1, 2026, In-Common Laboratories (ICL) is the new partner for Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) in managing the distribution and testing of FIT kits for ColonCancerCheck, which is Ontario’s colon cancer screening program.
Find answers to questions about the ColonCancerCheck program run by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) below.
Not yet. Several changes to ColonCancerCheck will launch on July 1, 2026, including lowering the age to start screening with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to 45. You will be able to find updated information about these changes on July 1, 2026, on the Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) website: ontariohealth.ca/colon.
No. Until July 1, 2026, you should follow the return instructions in your current FIT kit.
Starting July 1, 2026, you can mail your completed FIT to ICL or drop off your FIT to any Rexall location in Ontario. More information will soon be available on the ICL website: iclabs.ca/FIT/locations.