Cancer Screening Information for Healthcare Providers

As of May 23 2024, ColonCheck, CancerCare Manitoba Immunochemical Test (FIT) results performed by Cadham Provincial Laboratory will be available in eChart Manitoba. These results will display in the labs, biochemistry list pane.

Note: ColonCheck, CancerCare Manitoba will remain responsible for communicating FIT results to patients and making colonoscopy referrals for patients with abnormal test results. The appropriate provider(s) will be copied on all reports.

To read the eChart Manitoba memo click here.

The Test

• The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has replaced the guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) for colorectal cancer screening in Manitoba. 
  • ColonCheck is the sole provider of FIT kits to eligible Manitobans. Refer to the ColonCheck Screening Guidelines (pdf) for eligibility information.  
  • Healthcare providers can request a FIT for their patients using the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Requisition form (pdf) available in their EMR or from the CancerCare Manitoba website. 

Results

• FIT results will be communicated to healthcare providers by Cadham Provincial Laboratory.
• FIT results will be communicated to patients by ColonCheck.

Follow-Up

• Management of all follow-up testing will be done by ColonCheck.
• ColonCheck will provide a pre-colonoscopy health assessment, and make direct referrals to colonoscopy for patients who have an abnormal FIT result.
• Communication with the patient's healthcare provider will occur throughout this process.

Moving Forward (updated)

• As of January 1, 2024, the gFOBT (6-sample) is discontinued in Manitoba. Completed tests returned to Cadham Provincial Laboratory, Shared Health Diagnostic Laboratory, or Dynacare Lab will NOT be analyzed.
• Eligible patients submitting a completed ColonCheck FOBT to Cadham Provincial Laboratory on or after January 1, 2024 will be automatically sent a repeat FIT.
• Ineligible patients submitting a completed ColonCheck FOBT to Cadham Provincial Laboratory on or after January 1, 2024 will NOT be sent a repeat FIT. ColonCheck will send them a letter advising of their ineligibility and recommending that they speak to their healthcare provider for colon cancer screening options.
• ALL patients submitting a completed FOBT to either Shared Health Diagnostic Laboratory or Dynacare Lab will be told to contact ColonCheck for a replacement FIT. If eligible, a replacement will be sent. If ineligible they will be advised to speak to their healthcare provider for colon cancer screening options.
• Patients who have an FOBT at home should replace it with a FIT in one of the following ways:
  • Request a kit online.
  • Contact ColonCheck by phone (1-855-952-4325) or email ([email protected]) to request a replacement FIT.
  • Ask their healthcare provider to request a FIT using the FIT Requisition form form (pdf and in EMR).
• Planning is underway to send FIT results electronically to eChart and EMRs in winter 2023/24.

How the Changes Benefit Patients

• Earlier detection of colorectal cancer, reducing mortality from the disease.
• Equitable access to colorectal cancer screening through a province-wide distribution strategy.
• Access to a more sensitive screening test.
• Easier to use test will increase patient compliance and participation in screening.

Supporting Resources:

• ColonCheck Screening Guidelines (pdf)
• Clinical Practice Change (pdf)
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Requisition Form (pdf)
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Requisition Completion Instructions (pdf)
• ColonCheck webinar recordings
  • June 20, 2023: Is your patient fit for FIT? An overview of fecal immunochemical testing for colorectal cancer screening in Manitoba.
  • December 5, 2023: Pulse Check: Changes to colorectal cancer screening
• CancerCare Manitoba Screening Information for Healthcare Providers
• Understanding the Changes to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Manitoba (pdf)
• If you have questions email [email protected]

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CancerCare Manitoba Prevention & Screening is recruiting interested, enthusiastic health promotion champions in primary care to participate on an advisory committee. The purpose of the committee is to facilitate ongoing reciprocal communication between healthcare providers and CancerCare Manitoba Prevention & Screening in order to generate feedback and input into projects, resources and activities. To learn more, click here.