Colorectal screening in Canada, 2023-24

Screening programs range from fully population-wide (all asymptomatic people who fall within certain criteria are eligible for screening) to fully risk-based (only those at elevated or high risk and who fall within certain criteria are eligible for screening). Many screening programs have elements of both population-wide and risk-based screening.

For colorectal screening, many jurisdictions differentiate between average risk, “increased” risk, and “high” risk of colorectal cancer. These specific levels of risk have their own definitions, and impact screening eligibility.

Learn more about the screening strategies for participants with:

• Increased risk
• High risk