p.e.i. first province to lower age for colorectal cancer screening
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interim health p.e.i. ceo laurae kloschinsky, from left, joins p.e.i. premier rob lantz, heather mulligan, representing the canadian cancer society, and minister of health and wellness cory deagle at announcement that p.e.i. has become the first province in canada to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45.
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prince edward island has become the first province in canada to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45 to improve the chances of early detection of the disease.
islanders aged 45 to 74 at average risk will now be eligible for a fecal immunochemical test (fit) every two years. the fit is an at-home screening test that can detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms appear.
this decision reflects growing national and international evidence that earlier screening improves outcomes and reduces late-stage diagnoses, states a news release issued by the government with the canadian cancer society announcing the change march 30.
“colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, and we cannot afford to wait,” said health and wellness minister cory deagle in the release.
“lowering the screening age to 45 is a decisive, evidence-based step that will save lives. it means finding cancer earlier, reducing the need for aggressive treatment, and in some cases, preventing it entirely.”
dr. erin mccarvill, a family physician in oncology and medical advisor for cancer prevention, screening and early detection for health p.e.i., also took part in the announcement.
“screening at 45 allows us to catch issues earlier, often before cancer even develops,” she said. “our teams have carefully reviewed capacity, and we are ready to support this expansion while continuing to provide timely care for islanders.”
islanders can order a fit online through the colorectal cancer screening program website or request one from their health-care provider.
this article was originally published in the charlottetown guardian on april 2, 2026.
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