Colorectal Screening
This section contains the clinical practice guidelines followed in Alberta.
Alberta guidelines for follow-up colonoscopy and post polypectomy surveillance
Recommendations for post polypectomy surveillance (summary table)
Colonoscopy surveillance algorithm poster
Information for primary care providers on the new 2023 post polypectomy surveillance recommendations for Alberta
Clinical practice guidelines
Clinical practice summary
Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program standards and guidelines
The program standards and guidelines provides the evidence and/or consensus-based quality and safety “points of reference” such that quality and safe care and services to all individuals in Alberta.
Does my patient need a FIT?
This one page flowchart summarizes the guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. Call 1-866-727-3926 to order a (size: 9×11″) poster.
Colorectal cancer screening poster (size 8.5 x 11)
This black and white poster is printer friendly.
When to use FIT for healthcare providers
This one-page resource provides important information about when healthcare providers should consider the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for an asymptomatic patient. Call 1-866-727-3926 to order (size: 8.5 x 11).
FIT resources for clients
This one-page sheet provides information to clients about colorectal cancer screening and how to get a FIT.
Common questions about colorectal cancer screening
This brochure answers common questions patients may have about colorectal cancer screening and FIT.
Step by step instructions for a FIT test
This two-page information sheet provides instructions on how to collect a stool sample for the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This instruction sheet is included in all FIT kits in Alberta.
AHS colorectal postcard
This postcard size handout provides information on screening and the FIT test.
AHS colorectal poster
This poster provides information on screening and the FIT test (size: 8.5 x 11).
Sample letter template for a patient with a normal FIT result
Sample letter template for a patient with an abnormal FIT result
FIT collection instructions (Brochure)
This brochure provides step-by-step instructions on how to collect a stool sample for the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
FIT collection instructions
This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT). This instruction sheet is included in all FIT kits in Alberta.”
FIT collection instructions (Francais)
Instructions pour le test immunochimique fécal (TIF). This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in French.
FIT collection instructions (Spanish)
Instrucciones para la prueba inmunoquímica fecal (FIT). This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in Spanish.
FIT collection instructions (Arabic)
تعلیمات خاصة بفحص الدم الخفي في البراز. This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in Arabic.
FIT collection instructions (Chinese Traditional)
糞便免疫化學檢測 (FIT) 說明. This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in Traditional Chinese.
FIT collection instructions (Simplified Chinese)
粪便免疫化学测试 (FIT) 说明. This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in Simplified Chinese.
FIT collection instructions (German)
Anweisungen für den Fäkalen Immunchemie-Test (FIT). This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in German.
FIT collection instructions (Punjabi)
This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in Punjabi.
FIT collection instructions (Vietnamese)
This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) in Vietnamese.
NEW bowel preparation instructions (4-litre such as CoLyte or Peglyte) 2024
This handout has been updated with information from a number of sources and working groups and is now applicable to all brands of 4L prep. View in Arabic | Traditional Chinese (Cantonese) | Dari | Simplified Chinese (Mandarin) | Punjabi | Somali | Spanish | Tigrinya
To order translated versions please call 1-866-727-3926
Bowel preparation instructions (Bi-PegLyte)
This booklet can be shared with patients to prepare for a colonoscopy using Bi-PegLyte.
Bowel preparation instructions (Pico-Salax)
This booklet can be shared with patients to prepare for a colonoscopy using Pico-Salax.
Did you know?
There are additional colorectal cancer screening resources available, such as colonoscopy patient education booklets, discharge instructions and resources to summarize results and next steps.
In this section, healthcare providers will find resources regarding screening colonoscopies.
NEW colonoscopy video poster
This poster (size: 8.5 x 11) shares information about the colonoscopy video series. In this video series the patient will learn what they need to do to prepare and what to expect during and after the test.
NEW colonoscopy video postcard
This postcard shares information about the colonoscopy video series. In this video series the patient will learn what they need to do to prepare and what to expect during and after the test.
NEW colonoscopy patient education resource - 2024
This updated resource is intended for patients who will be having a colonoscopy.
NEW bowel preparation instructions (4-litre such as CoLyte or Peglyte) 2024
This handout has been updated with information from a number of sources and working groups and is now applicable to all brands of 4L prep. View in Arabic | Traditional Chinese (Cantonese) | Dari | Simplified Chinese (Mandarin) | Punjabi | Somali | Spanish | Tigrinya
To order translated versions please call 1-866-727-3926.
Bowel preparation instructions (Bi-PegLyte)
This booklet can be shared with patients to prepare for a colonoscopy using Bi-PegLyte.
Bowel preparation instructions using Pico-Salax and Bisacodyl
This booklet can be shared with patients to prepare for a colonoscopy using Pico-Salax and Bisacodyl.
Colonoscopy discharge instructions
This standardized form provides instructions for patients following a colonoscopy.
Your colonoscopy test results and next steps
This standardized resource can be distributed to patients following their colonoscopy.
Standards and guidelines for screening colonoscopy services
Published in 2014
Quality reporting of colonoscopy performance standards for the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
This document outlines specific quality indicators, their target measures and reporting timelines.
Guidelines for antithrombotic management for screening-related colonoscopy
Assessment tools and suggested management for the patient on antithrombotics undergoing a screening-related colonoscopy.
Suggested management of antithrombotic agents for a screening-related colonoscopy
NEW colonoscopy video business card
This card shares information about the colonoscopy video series. In this video series the patient will learn what they need to do to prepare and what to expect during and after the test.
Eligible Albertans can order a FIT kit online or by phone
What is FIT mail out?
FIT mail out allows Albertans to order a FIT kit on screeningforlife.ca/order-free-fit-kit/ or by calling Primary Care Alberta Screening Programs at 1-866-727-3926. The FIT test will be sent by mail, giving Albertans more options for FIT screening whether or not they have a healthcare provider. FIT mail out reduces barriers to access screening and helps address health disparities.
Who can order a FIT kit online or by phone?
Albertans aged 50 to 74 who have no symptoms and no personal history of colon cancer, can order a FIT kit. Patients need to complete the questionnaire online to confirm their eligibility.
Patients who order a kit online or by phone need to take their completed FIT and lab requisition to a lab. This should be done within 7 days of collecting their sample. Patients do not need a lab appointment to drop off their completed FIT.
Patients should be directed to visit albertaprecisionlabs.ca to find a lab near them, and to contact their local lab for hours of service.
How should my patients get a FIT kit?
For patients aged 50 to 74:
- Healthcare providers can still provide patients with a lab requisition that they can take to a lab to get their FIT kit. If you direct your patient to order a FIT kit online, it is not necessary to give them a requisition.
For patients younger than 50 or older than 74:
- Will need to speak to their healthcare provider to get a lab requisition to pick up a FIT kit from a lab. They cannot order a FIT kit online or by phone.
How will my patient get their FIT results?
Your patient can view their FIT results online if they have a MyChart (formerly MyAHS Connect), MyHealth Records account or sign up for MyChart by creating a verified Alberta.ca account and registering for MyHealth Records. Normal result letters will not be mailed to patients who have a MyChart account.
If the patient has an abnormal result, a nurse from Primary Care Alberta will call them to explain what the result means and discuss next steps.
https://screeningforlife.ca/about-us-2/#how_our_screening_programs_work
Will I receive my patient’s FIT results?
Patients are asked to provide the name and contact information of their primary care provider when submitting their FIT kit order. Their primary care provider will be copied on the lab requisition for kits ordered online or by phone.
What about my patient’s follow-up care?
To support continuity of care, primary care providers are asked to continue coordinating follow-up care after an abnormal result. Patients who ordered their kit online or by phone and have an abnormal FIT result will be notified directly by a nurse from Primary Care Alberta. The nurse will explain what the result means and ask them to book an appointment with their regular healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What about follow-up care for patients who are unattached to a primary care provider?
Patients who are unattached will be contacted by a nurse from Primary Care Alberta. The nurse will discuss options with the patient and provide resources to help them find a healthcare provider who is accepting new patients. The nurse will also provide the patient with next steps in the screening pathway.
Do I still order FITs in my practice using the community lab requisition? Can I send my patients to screeningforlife.ca to order a FIT?
Yes, Albertans aged 50 to 74 are recommended to have a discussion with their primary care provider to make an informed decision about colorectal cancer screening. Primary care providers can still provide patients with a lab requisition that they can take to a lab to get their FIT kit. If you direct your patient to order a FIT kit online, it is not necessary to give them a requisition.
Individuals younger than 50 or older than 74 who are eligible for FIT screening based on the Clinical Practice Guidelines will need to speak to their primary care provider to get a lab requisition to pick up a FIT kit from a lab. They cannot order a FIT kit online or by phone.
FIT mail out info for primary care providers
This one-page resource contains information for primary care providers about the FIT mail out initiative.
Frequently asked questions for primary care providers
This info sheet is a printable copy of the frequently asked questions listed above.
Colorectal cancer screening postcard
This postcard size handout provides information on screening and the FIT test.
Colorectal cancer screening poster
This poster provides information on screening and the FIT test (size: 8.5 x 11).
FIT instructions for patients
This information sheet provides step-by-step instructions on how to collect a sample for the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). This instruction sheet is included in all FIT kits in Alberta,
Colorectal cancer screening poster (black and white)
This printer-friendly poster provides information about colorectal cancer screening and the FIT.
Return to the FIT ordering page
Implementation Summary: FIT Kit Distribution in Primary Care
This guide provides the tools to implement key FIT screening practices in your primary care clinic.
Patient Education Handout
This handout is intended to be given to patients who have received a FIT Test Kit from their PCP.
FIT Tracking Spreadsheet
An optional tool to assist clinics with result tracking and QI initiatives.