BC Cancer Screening

February 4th is World Cancer Day, a day to raise awareness about cancer and its prevention. Cancer screening saves lives. To learn more about our cancer screening programs, please visit www.screeningbc.ca.

Each month, we feature a Q+A on a cancer screening topic. This month, we’ve invited Dr. Jen Telford, Medical Director for the Colon Screening Program to answer a question about colon cancer screening. Question: Can I take the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in place of a colonoscopy? Answer: No. The FIT and a colonoscopy are two very different screening tests for colon cancer.... The FIT detects blood in your stool (poop) which can be a sign of pre-cancer. FIT can be done in the comfort of your own home by following the instructions provided in your kit. To get a test kit, talk to your health care provider about your eligibility, and they will be able to provide an order form for a free FIT kit. If your FIT results come back abnormal, your doctor will make recommendations for follow-up testing. Usually, a colonoscopy is recommended at this stage. A colonoscopy is a common procedure that allows a specialist to look inside the colon and rectum to make a diagnosis. The doctor uses a flexible tube with a miniature camera attached and can find and remove most polyps and some cancers during the procedure. Some people will be directly referred for a colonoscopy instead of a FIT if they have a personal history of adenoma(s) or a significant family history of colon cancer. It’s important to speak to your health care provider to determine which screening test is right for you.

Shelley Howatt is a cervical cancer survivor. Her cancer was detected after going for a routine Pap test. With no symptoms or family history, her motivation for screening was simply prevention. Following an abnormal Pap result, Shelley was referred for a colposcopy and then for a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which showed that she had cervical cancer. I didn’t know much about the follow-up procedures but I ended up reaching out to a friend who was going thr...ough a similar situation, and we talked about it. For me, it was important to do the research and use the resources available so that I knew what to expect, Shelley explained. It made me feel more comfortable to know all of the different things that could potentially happen. What also made me feel at ease is my doctor let me watch what he was doing because at least I could visualize what was happening to me. Shortly after receiving her results, Shelley was scheduled for surgery at BC Cancer to have her cancer removed. Her surgery was successful and she has been in good health since November 2019. Getting a Pap test for the first time can be unsettling because you might not know what to expect. But once you do it, it’s kind of like ok, what’s the big deal? I’m really grateful for doing my Pap tests. I was diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer and it was caught early enough. Shelley’s advice to other women debating whether to get a Pap test: It’s not as uncomfortable as you think it is. If you are apprehensive about having a male doctor, there are clinics you can access with female doctors. And, if you do receive an abnormal result, remember to stay calm. There’s no need to worry just yet. If you are looking for a clinic or female doctor in your area for your next Pap test, use our Clinic Locator at bit.ly/2RFjuw1. And for more information about cervical cancer screening including information about follow-up tests, please visit our website at www.screeningbc.ca/cervix. #screeningstories

Curious about what it means to have an abnormal FIT result? Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/xsh0uXAXEJE.

This week is National Non-Smoking Week. Did you know that lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada? Here are four ways to reduce your risk: Quit smoking Limit exposure to second-hand smoke Limit exposure to radon... Limit exposure to asbestos or diesel exhaust Need help quitting smoking? Please visit www.quitnow.ca for more resources. BC Cancer is launching a lung screening program in 2022. For more information, please visit www.screeningbc.ca/lung.

When a patient has a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT), a history of precancerous polyps, or a strong family history of colorectal cancer, they are referred to the Colon Screening Program. Often times, the first person a patient will meet on this journey is the patient coordinator. Patient coordinators play a critical role in supporting colon screening in the province. They review every patient before they see a specialist. They also perform a health assessment and coo...rdinate all things necessary prior to a colonoscopy, including prepping the patient on what to expect during their procedure. Anna Siu Ehlers is a patient coordinator at Vancouver Coastal Health. She’s been with the program since 2014. It’s been very exciting to be a part of the growth of this program. In the past 6 years, I’ve been able to help so many patients and see this program grow and develop into what it is today. It makes me very proud. Anna was inspired to become a patient coordinator after seeing her husband’s best friend diagnosed with colon cancer at only 50 years old. I saw how he didn’t get screened and how this could have been prevented. This is a big reason why I chose to work at the screening program in this role. It’s been very rewarding to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. The thought of needing a colonoscopy can make some people very anxious and scared, but if I can make someone feel more comfortable and at ease about their procedure by educating them and providing support, then that would mean the world to me. Anna has this advice to others considering colon cancer screening: I always tell my patients, if I were age-appropriate to be screened I would do it in a heartbeat. I’ve seen how many people develop precancerous polyps and if I can do something to prevent a colorectal cancer in my life or anyone else’s life, it’s to let people know how important colon cancer screening is. To learn more about whether colon cancer screening is right for you, talk to your health care provider or visit our website at www.screeningbc.ca/colon.

Questions about how breast density affects screening mammography? Watch this video to learn more.

Wishing everyone a very happy holidays from all of us at BC Cancer Screening. Stay safe, and remember to add cancer screening to your holiday to-do list. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Each month, we feature a Q+A on a cancer screening topic. This month, we’ve invited Laurie Smith, Research Program Manager for HPV Related Diseases at Women's Health Research Institute, PHSA to answer a question about cervical cancer screening. Question: What is the relationship between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer? Answer: The majority of cervical cancer cases around the world are associated with HPV. However, it’s important to point out that HPV is very co...mmon, and not every person with an HPV infection will develop cervical cancer. HPV is passed from person to person through intimate sexual contact which can include touching, oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Most people who have never received the HPV vaccine will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives; however, the body usually clears the infection on its own, within about 2 years without a person knowing they were infected. There are two different kinds of HPV that can infect the genital region: low and high-risk types. Low-risk types of HPV can cause anogenital warts, but these types do not cause cervical or other cancers. High-risk types of HPV may lead to cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal or head and neck cancers. As mentioned, for most people, an HPV infection will clear on its own with no consequences. However, in some people, infection with a high-risk type of HPV can cause changes to the cells of the cervix that may lead to pre-cancer or cancer if the infection goes undetected or untreated for many years. What people may not realize is that cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination and screening. In Canada, the HPV vaccine is recommended for women up to the age of 45, and it is important to receive regular cervix screening as recommended by your healthcare provider even if you have received the HPV vaccine.

It’s MRT Week a week to celebrate the essential role that medical radiation technologists (MRTs) play in the healthcare system. In honour of this special week, we are featuring Sharon Moult, a recently retired Mammography Technologist with BC Cancer Breast Screening’s mobile mammography service, for this month’s #screeningstory. For the past seven and a half years, Sharon has traveled extensively across BC, providing screening mammograms to eligible women in rural and remot...e communities. First piloted by BC Cancer Breast Screening in 1990, the mobile mammography service visits more than 170 rural communities across BC, including more than 40 First Nations communities annually. It’s a really gratifying job. I feel good about the work I’m doing. We’ve had ladies knock on our door to thank us for finding their breast cancer. It makes me emotional. It reminds me of the importance of our work, especially in these remote areas. In many cases, the nearest breast screening centre is over three-hours away, and it’s unlikely they will go to get screened at all. Over the past several years, Sharon’s spent more time on the road than she has at home. The women that she’s met along the way have become like family. A lot of our volunteers are survivors whose breast cancer was detected on our coach. They come back every year to help out as a way to show gratitude. I’ve gotten to know these ladies very well and look forward to seeing them each year. It’s part of the reason why I’ve delayed my retirement so long. Sharon’s most memorable experiences as a technologist include performing a diagnostic mammogram on a princess and travelling to several First Nations communities, including Haida Gwaii. It’s so important to get your breasts checked regularly, Sharon explains. The doctors can see changes on a mammogram before you can even feel them. The sooner we find it, the better your chances of survival are. Don’t wait too long. As for Sharon, more adventures await as she transitions into retirement. Her plans include volunteering and working on her photography. When it’s safe again, she hopes to get her own travel van to meet up with all of the friends she’s made on the road. We thank Sharon for her years of service. And a big thank you to all of our technologists and the important work they do. Happy MRT Week!

Each month, we’ll be featuring a Q+A on a cancer screening topic. This month, we’ve invited Dr. Jen Telford, Medical Director for the Colon Screening Program to answer a question about colon cancer screening. Question: Should I take a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) if I’m 75 or older? Answer: If you’ve been screening regularly for colon cancer up to 74 years of age, then you can safely stop screening once you turn 75.... As we get older, the risks of the colonoscopy procedure (the follow-up test after an abnormal FIT) begin to outweigh the benefits of screening. The decision to continue screening should be discussed with your primary care provider, who can review with you the benefits and risks of screening in the context of your overall health. For those that are older than 74, and have never screened for colon cancer with the FIT or had a colonoscopy, it may be appropriate to discuss colon screening options with your primary care provider. It’s also important to note that screening is for people that don’t have symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, regardless of your age, talk to your primary care provider: blood in your stool abdominal pain change in bowel habits unexplained weight loss

Have an upcoming screening mammogram? We've introduced some new measures to increase safety, and ask that you follow these simple steps to ensure you are prepared and comfortable for your screening.

With no family history or risk factors of any kind, Christine Hazle was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51. I realized it had been a few years since my last screening so I thought I should go. I had no symptoms, no lump, no funny feeling. Within a few weeks of her mammogram, Christine’s world as she knew it changed. Although the cancer was still relatively small when it was found, it was an aggressive cancer that would require chemotherapy a reality she was dreading t...o face. It was devastating. The first thing you think is ‘oh my god, my hair is going to fall out’. It was hard but I never doubted that I could do it. Christine found comfort in talking about what she was going through. She looked to other women who also had chemo for support and even found herself re-connecting with old friends from over 30 years ago. Just hearing someone else say: ‘I know exactly how you feel, but I can tell you that that it ends’, really helped get me through. As of January, Christine’s cancer treatment plan is complete and there is currently no evidence of any remaining cancer in the affected breast. I think about going for that mammogram a lot. I had no symptoms, no family history. I had the healthiest lifestyle. I don’t smoke or drink. I was at a healthy bodyweight. My only risk factor was that I was a 51-year old woman. I thought I’d be the last person to get breast cancer. I want other women to know that it really doesn’t matter what risk factors you have. You just never know. The only reason my cancer was detected so early is because I went for my routine screening. It saved my life. Screening mammograms can find cancers early, before there are symptoms. If you are a woman between the ages of 50-74, consider making screening mammograms a part of your regular health routine. To book a mammogram, call 1-800-663-9203 or visit our website for more information: bit.ly/2ZSXVLh. #ScreeningStories

***BC Cancer Screening Update*** Colon Screening: Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), part of the early screening process for colon cancer, resumes today in British Columbia after distribution of FIT kits was temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation.... Eligible patients can pick up FIT kits from any public or private lab across the province with a referral from their health care provider. For patients who had picked up their FIT kit at the time of the testing suspension and have not completed it, now is the time to complete the test and return it to the lab. More information about FIT kits is available at www.screeningbc.ca/covid-19. Labs in BC have introduced special measures to keep patients and staff safe from COVID-19. It is recommended that patients check with their preferred labs for any COVID-19 related procedures or instructions prior to picking up their FIT kit. FIT is a routine screening test recommended for people between the ages of 50 and 74 with no symptoms of colon cancer. Symptoms can include blood in your stool, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your health care provider about the diagnostic testing you may need to determine the cause of these symptoms. FIT is not appropriate for people with these symptoms. Breast Screening: Breast Screening centres across the province are now re-booking previously cancelled appointments for June and beyond. The BC Cancer Breast Screening Program is committed to the safety of patients and staff, and have introduced several important measures that promote safe cancer screening, including: Physical Distancing: Breast Screening centres will be rearranging waiting areas and allowing more time between patients to support physical distancing. Un-scheduled walk-in appointments will not be accommodated at this time. Enhanced Cleaning: Mammography equipment and exam rooms will be cleaned between patient appointments and sanitized in accordance with provincial guidelines. Personal Protective Equipment: Screening staff will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including surgical masks, appropriate eye protection and gloves to protect themselves and others. COVID-19 Screening: Patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the entrance to the building or facility.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of cervical cancer, it’s important that you see your health care provider immediately. Symptoms of cervical cancer include: Abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding in between periods, bleeding during/after sex or after menopause) Abnormal or persistent vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse

Being self-aware about your health is more important than ever. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of colon cancer, talk to your health care provider: blood in your stool abdominal pain change in bowel habits... unexplained weight loss See more

Did you know? There are steps you can take to reduce your risk for breast cancer. Here are five ways to maintain your breast health: 1. Maintain a healthy body weight 2. Maintain an active lifestyle 3. Limit your alcohol intake... 4. Breastfeed if possible 5. Weigh the risks and benefits of hormone therapy for menopause symptoms See more

Questions about how COVID-19 has impacted cancer screening services? Find answers here: https://bit.ly/2ZloYAe

As screening mammography is temporarily suspended, it’s important to continue to check your breasts for any changes. If you notice any changes, please see your doctor without delay. To learn more about the signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer, visit: https://bit.ly/3e4BTL9

Many cancer screening services are being temporarily suspended at this time due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in BC. This is being done to support social distancing; reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 among healthy people taking part in cancer screening. It will also help the health care system focus necessary resources on urgent and critical care. Cancer screening is an important preventative health measure. However, the immediate health and safety of cancer screeni...ng participants, and the health care system’s ability to respond to COVID-19, is currently the most important priority. In response to the COVID-19 situation, please be advised that: Screening mammography has been temporarily suspended. Health authorities have temporarily suspended nonurgent, nonemergent colonoscopies. Labs in BC have temporarily suspended FIT distribution to colon screening participants. Health authorities are triaging procedures at colposcopy clinics based on the capacity of their health care facilities. BC Cancer Screening Programs and health authorities will contact you directly if your cancer screening or follow-up appointment or procedure is affected. Screening is only recommended for people who are not experiencing symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, please contact your health care provider immediately. Breast cancer symptoms: New changes in your breast such as a lump or nipple discharge. Colon cancer symptoms: Blood in your stool, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. Cervical cancer symptoms: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding in between periods, bleeding during/after sex or after menopause), abnormal or persistent vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse. We thank you for your understanding. For more information and updates, please visit screeningbc.ca/covid-19

The modern colonoscopy was pioneered in the mid-1960s by Drs. Hiromi Shinya and William Wolff at the Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. The duo developed a way to view the full length of the colon using a tube with electronic sensors, as well as a method of removing polyps immediately during a colonoscopy. Today, approximately 30,000 colonoscopies are performed in BC each year. Screening is one of the best ways to prevent colon cancer as it can find polyps and cancer when it's small. If detected at its earliest stage, the chance of survival is more than 90%. For more information about colon cancer, visit our website at http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/colon

Women with disabilities are just as likely to get breast cancer as those without disabilities. If you are eligible, regular breast screening should be an important part of your preventative health routine. Learn more about accessibility and screening mammography here: http://bit.ly/bcc-access

Today is International Women’s Day a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In honour of this day, we’d like to recognize Lisa Kan, Executive Director of Prevention and Screening at BC Cancer. Lisa is celebrating more than 30 years of service at BC Cancer. She joined the organization in 1989 as a Biostatistician in the Epidemiology & Biostatistics department. Throughout her career, she has focused on making cancer screening bett...er, safer and more accessible for people in BC. In particular, she’s proud to be part of the BC Cancer team that expanded screening mammography services across the province, reduced the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, and launched a province-wide colon screening program. I’ve always wanted to do something with my background in statistics that would have a direct impact on people and their lives. It makes me feel great to know that I have contributed to creating a better healthcare system for all. My career journey is really a reflection of what makes me happy at work and my own personal growth. I like problem-solving and the rush that I get from working with people who are goal-oriented and results-driven. As I’ve gained more experience, skill, and confidence, the problem’s I’ve been challenged to solve and the teams that I work with are even more complex. It keeps me on my toes! Lisa reflects on being a woman in a leadership role: I've had the good fortune of having many strong female role models and mentors at the start of my career. The formative experience for me was the comradery that I shared with a small team of five (including me), who helped expand Breast Screening from one to 20+ clinics across the province. Thinking back we ran with ideas and were fearless because we could count on each other’s efforts and support. This has been my modus operandi as a leader since. Diversity and gender equality are crucial in the workplace from sparking creativity and innovation to enhanced collaboration. Lisa has this advice for young women starting their own career journeys: Strive to make yourself proud and be open to possibilities. You always learn something even when your best effort doesn’t work out. Happy #WomensDay! #IWD2020 #EachforEqual PS. If you have any of your own words of advice or encouragement, leave them in the comments below!

Meet Ray Satermo teacher, husband, father to 3 children and 2 dogs, and now, a colon cancer survivor. As an adopted child, Ray knew little about his biological family and medical history. Luckily, his doctor encouraged him to stay up-to-date with all of his tests, including the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) a screening test for colon cancer. In September 2015, Ray’s FIT test detected blood in his stool and he was recommended for a follow-up colonoscopy. Ray was reluctan...t at first but eventually decided to go through with the procedure. I spoke with a woman named Crystal Star who worked at Island Health. I will never forget her. She convinced me to do the colonoscopy because I wasn’t going to go. I knew what a colonoscopy entailed and I didn’t want a camera inside of me. But she explained that because I was over 50, it would be a really good idea to get a baseline done to make sure that everything is ok. She told me about her husband and how he recently had a colonoscopy and a bunch of polyps removed. I was convinced, and I decided to go through with it. During the colonoscopy, Ray’s doctor discovered small lesions on his transverse colon and a cancerous growth that was smaller than the tip of his finger. A few months later, he went in for surgery to have the cancer removed. Everything went wonderfully. The doctor who did it was just fabulous probably one of the best on Vancouver Island. I literally went in on a Friday and was out on Monday. I didn’t need to have chemo or radiation. All I have is a scar from my chest to my belly button that I look at every now and then as a reminder. I now go for a regular screening colonoscopy every 2 years to make sure everything is on track. It’s a small price to pay to live a happy and healthy life. What is Ray most grateful for now that he is cancer-free? That I listened. That I had the opportunity to find out early. That I acted on it and didn’t just ignore it. I know others who didn’t have the same opportunity and the outcome was entirely different. I am very grateful. With a clean bill of health, Ray continues to live life to the fullest. He’s been away on a month-long cruise throughout South America and is very much looking forward to playing with his grandkids and dogs upon his return. To learn more about colon cancer screening, please visit our website: www.screeningbc.ca/colon #ScreeningStories

Beep, beep! The mobile mammography coach will be in the following communities in March: Castlegar (March 23 -28, 30-31) Chemainus (March 12, 16-18) Fruitvale (March 16-17)... Gabriola (March 9-10) Ladysmith (March 18-19, 23-24) Mission (March 7, 9-11) New Westminster (March 19-21, 23-24) Pitt Meadows (March 13-14, 16-18) Princeton (March 2-5) Rossland (March 20) Saanichton (March 2-5) Salmo (March 18) Sooke (March 25-26,30) Trail (March 2-7, 9-14,21) Call 1-800-663-9203 to book an appointment, or visit our clinic locator at http://bit.ly/clinic-locator for details on each of these stops.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and BC Cancer is reminding you that hindsight is 20/20. Colon screening can see cancer before it develops, and before there are symptoms. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect both men and women in BC and is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. If you are between the ages of 50-74, talk to your health care provider about screening. For more information about colon screening, please visit www.screeningbc.ca/colon

Want to reduce your risk for breast cancer? Here are five ways: 1. Maintain a healthy body weight 2. Have an active lifestyle 3. Limit your alcohol... 4. Breastfeed, if possible 5. Weigh the risks and benefits of hormone therapy for menopause symptoms Learn more: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca///breast-health/reduce-your-risk

A little bit of kindness goes a long way! We are proud to celebrate #PinkShirtDay and take a stand against bullying #LiftEachOtherUp

Did you know? An abnormal FIT result means that blood was found in the stool sample that you submitted. It does NOT mean that a cancer was found. Learn more about FIT results here: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/colon/results

Ever wonder where your Pap smear ends up? After a sample is collected during a Pap test, it’s packaged and sent to BC Cancer’s Cervical Cancer Screening Lab which receives approximately 2,000 samples a day from clinics throughout BC and the Yukon. Each slide is stained so that the cells can be seen with a microscope, and viewed by technologists who look for signs of abnormalities. The results are then sent to your health care provider, and communicated to you. BC Cancer’s Cer...vical Cancer Screening Lab is made up of a small but mighty team of 60. The person in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly? That’s Brenda Smith the lab’s Chief Technologist. Brenda has been with BC Cancer for over 20 years and has spent the bulk of her career as an educator at BC Cancer’s former Diagnostic Cytology training program a program that she was once a student of herself. Under Brenda’s leadership, the Cervical Cancer Screening Lab has been accredited by both the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Colombia’s’ Diagnostic Accreditation Program and the College of American Pathologists’ Laboratory Accreditation Program, ensuring that the lab performs at the highest standards of quality. I find it very rewarding to be a part of a provincial screening service that has such a proven impact on the lives of patients all across the province. The fact that we can boast about a very low incidence of cervical cancer in this province is because of the Pap sample and participation in screening. We in the lab are a ‘behind-the-scenes’ profession but the high quality, detail-orientated work that is being done in our department is by some of the most dedicated health professionals. Whether it's lab work that ensures the sample and patient information are accurately represented or high complexity diagnostic work, my team are the silent warriors who ensure our lab meets the standards expected of us in order to deliver the highest quality of work. With cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, it’s important for women between the ages of 25-69 to have regular Pap tests. Just get out there and do it, Brenda says. Talk to your family and friends. The more we share, the more we reduce the stigma. And know that you can trust the health professionals who are taking and analyzing your samples. I know it’s uncomfortable, but it’s a better alternative to what you might have to endure if you don’t get screened. To learn more about cervical cancer screening, please visit our website at www.screeningbc.ca/cervix or leave us a question in the comments below. #ScreeningStories