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).
As of July 1, 2026, In-Common Laboratories (ICL) is the central laboratory 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.
Yes. Starting July 1, 2026, eligible people ages 45 to 74 can start screening with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Visit this page for more information: ontariohealth.ca/colon.
Information on how to return your FIT kit is included in the instructions you receive. Completed FIT kits can be returned to In-Common Laboratories (ICL) in the mail or by dropping off at any Rexall location in Ontario.
More information can be found here: iclabs.ca/FIT/locations.
ICL FIT Support Team
The ICL FIT Support Team is available Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Phone: 1-833-348-7667
Email: fit@iclabs.ca