A reader writes:
Going for a colonoscopy is strongly promoted these days, but there are huge waiting lists and it's expensive to do privately.
In England, the National Health System sends out colon cancer screening kits to everyone over a certain age. This requires collecting a swab of stool sample over 3 consecutive days (in the privacy of your own home), then sending it to a lab. Those with positive results are then contacted for a colonoscopy but only after it's deemed necessary.
This seems a smart screening process, and very cost efficient. It would also reach those people who are put off going for the full blown test.
I think they do this in Ontario but have not researched it at all.
I heard about it because my cousins in England, a brother and sister, received the kits and one ended up requiring a colonoscopy and treatment for polyps and the other's test was clear.
Seems to me that this would be a great tool for early detection and should be implemented asap. Is Quebec considering this and maybe a little publicity would get people talking!
