The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released updated NWT Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines.

Key Recommendations in the Guidelines include:

1. Individuals Aged 50-74:
   • Individuals within this age range, with no personal or family history of colorectal cancer, are advised to undergo the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) every two years.
2. Family History Aged 60+:
   • Those with immediate family members (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer after the age of 60 are recommended to take the FIT test every 2 years or a colonoscopy every 5 years, starting from the age of 40.
3. Family History Under Age 60:
   • Those with immediate family members (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 60 should undergo a colonoscopy every 5 years, beginning at age of 40, or 10 years prior to the age of diagnosis of their youngest affected relative.
4. Family History of Colorectal Cancer:
   • Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer should talk to their healthcare provider about a referral to an Endoscopist.
5. Screening Age 75+:
   • Individuals aged 75 and above are advised to discuss screening options with their healthcare provider to determine the most suitable course of action. Screening is not routinely recommended for individuals beyond the age of 74.

For more information visit: 

• Colorectal Cancer Screening or;
• Contact CRCscreening@gov.nt.ca or call 866-313-7989 option 6

For media requests, please contact:

Andrew Wind

Manager, Communications

Department of Health and Social Services

Government of the Northwest Territories

Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca

(867) 767-9052