Colorectal Screening

This section contains the clinical practice guidelines followed in Alberta.

 

 

Alberta guidelines for follow-up colonoscopy and post polypectomy surveillance

These are the Alberta guidelines for follow-up colonoscopy and post polypectomy surveillance

Recommendations for Post Polypectomy Surveillance (Summary Table)

View the Recommendations for Post Polypectomy Surveillance (Summary Table)

Colonoscopy Surveillance Algorithm.

Colonoscopy surveillance algorithm (poster)

Information for Primary Care Providers on the New 2023 Post Polypectomy Surveillance Recommendations for Alberta

Information for Primary Care Providers on the New 2023 Post Polypectomy Surveillance Recommendations for Alberta

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Alberta follows the colorectal screening guidelines developed by Towards Optimized Practice with the Alberta Medical Association.

Clinical Practice Summary

View the PDF of the clinical practice summary on the Towards Optimized Practice (TOP) website.

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.

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 

Common Questions about Colorectal Cancer Screening

This brochure is designed for patients to understand common questions related to colorectal cancer screening.

Common Questions about FIT (for patients)

This info sheet provides information about colorectal cancer screening by FIT for patients.

Frequently Asked Questions about FIT for physicians

This one-page resource contains frequently asked questions and answers for physicians about the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT).

Step by Step Instructions for a FIT Test

This two-page information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT)

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

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 FIT kits from the lab.

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 | Dari | Simplified Chinese | Punjabi | Somali | Spanish | Tigrinya 

Bowel preparation instructions (Colyte). 2017

This booklet can be shared with patients to prepare for a colonoscopy using CoLyte.

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

NEW Colonoscopy Video Postcard

NEW Colonoscopy Patient 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 | Dari | Simplified Chinese | Punjabi | Somali | Spanish | Tigrinya 

Bowel preparation instructions (Colyte). 2017

This handout can be shared with patients to prepare for a colonoscopy using Colyte.

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

This booklet can be shared with patients to prepare for a colonoscopy using Pico-Salax.

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.

Screening colonoscopy prioritization and expected wait times

Published in 2016

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

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Arabic

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Cantonese

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Dari

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Punjabi

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Simplified Chinese

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Somali

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Spanish

Brochure

4L Bowel Prep - Tigrinya

Poster

AHS colorectal cancer screening poster (BW)

Poster

AHS colorectal cancer screening poster (Color)

Other

AHS Colorectal Screening Display Proof

Booklet

Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program standards and guidelines

Brochure

Alberta guidelines for follow-up colonoscopy and post polypectomy surveillance.

Booklet

Bowel preparation instructions (Bi-Peglyte)

Brochure

Bowel preparation instructions (CoLyte). 2017

Booklet

Bowel preparation instructions (Pico-Salax)

Booklet

Colonoscopy discharge instructions

Info Sheet

Colonoscopy Frequently Asked Questions

Booklet

Colonoscopy patient education

Poster

Colonoscopy Surveillance Algorithm.

Booklet

Colonoscopy test results and next steps

Poster

Colorectal cancer screening

Poster

Colorectal cancer screening poster for Indigenous people

Poster

Colorectal Mail Postcard

Brochure

Colorectal Poster

Brochure

Common questions about colorectal cancer screening

Info Sheet

Common questions about FIT (for patients)

Info Sheet

Discontinued availability of the GFOBT (for physicians)

Info Sheet

Does my patient need a FIT?

Info Sheet

FAQs for physicians about FIT

Brochure

FIT collection instructions

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (Arabic)

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (Chinese Simplified)

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (Chinese Traditional)

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (Francais)

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (German)

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (Punjabi)

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (Spanish)

Info Sheet

FIT collection instructions (Vietnamese)

Booklet

FIT Implementation Summary

Info Sheet

FIT Lab collection instructions

Info Sheet

FIT Mail out Info for primary care providers

Info Sheet

FIT Patient Education Handout

Info Sheet

FIT resources for patients

Other

FIT Tracking Spreadsheet

Info Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions for FIT Mail-out for Primary Care Providers

Booklet

Guidelines for antithrombotic management for screening-related colonoscopy

Info Sheet

Info Sheet for Endoscopy Partners for the FIT Mail-out

Brochure

Information for Primary Care Providers on the New 2023 Post Polypectomy

Booklet

NEW Bowel Preparation Instructions (4-litre such as CoLyte or Peglyte) 2024

Brochure

NEW Colonoscopy Patient Resource 2024

Poster

NEW Colonoscopy Video Postcard

Brochure

NEW Colonoscopy Video Poster

Booklet

Post polypectomy surveillance guidelines from Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

Booklet

Quality reporting of colonoscopy performance standards for the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

Brochure

Recommendations for Post Polypectomy Surveillance (Summary Table)

Booklet

Report on colorectal cancer control in Alberta (2013)

Info Sheet

Screening colonoscopy prioritization and expected wait times

Booklet

Standards and guidelines for screening colonoscopy services

Info Sheet

Step by Step Instructions for a FIT Test

Info Sheet

Suggested management of Antithrombotic agents for a screening-related colonoscopy

Other

Template of letter for abnormal FIT result

Other

Template of normal result letter

Poster

This colorectal cancer screening facility saved Sam's life

Info Sheet

When to use FIT for healthcare providers

Eligible Albertans can now order a FIT kit online!

What is the FIT Mail Out Initiative? Why now?

The FIT Mail Out initiative will allow Albertans to order a FIT either online or over the phone, that will be mailed to their home.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the existing gap in Alberta’s colorectal cancer screening rates has increased. Delays in screening and missed colorectal cancer diagnoses will disproportionately burden and affect those living in rural or remote areas of the province as well as those who have barriers to accessing primary care.

Implementation of this initiative provides Albertans with options to screening, helps to address patient barriers and works to overcome health disparities.

Who can order a FIT online or by phone?

Albertans aged 50 to 74 have the option to order a FIT online or by phone after completing a questionnaire to determine eligibility (asymptomatic with no personal or family history in a first degree relative and due for FIT screening). The FIT kit will be mailed directly to their home.

How will my patient get their FIT result?

If your patient orders a FIT through the online or phone system, they will receive a result letter in the mail.

Will I be sent my patient’s FIT result?

Due to current system limitations, primary care providers will not be copied on the lab requisition for those FITs ordered online or by telephone. However, for those who have access, results are accessible through Netcare. We are actively working to have this issue resolved.

What about my patient’s follow-up care?

Patients that have ordered their test through the online or phone system and have an abnormal FIT result will be mailed an abnormal result letter. This letter will explain what an abnormal FIT result means and ask them to book an appointment with their regular healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss whether a follow-up colonoscopy is right for them.

What about follow-up care for patients who are unattached to a primary care provider? 

The abnormal FIT result letter, signed by the ordering physician, Dr. Yang, Medical Director with AHS Screening Programs, clearly outlines the next steps the patient should take. The letter emphasizes the patient is to make an appointment with a family doctor as soon as possible to discuss their abnormal result and a follow-up colonoscopy. A list of resources to help find a family doctor accepting new patients is provided in this letter. If the unattached patient has questions or needs further assistance finding a healthcare provider they are asked to call AHS Screening Programs toll-free number at 1-866-727-3926.

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 ages 50 to 74 are still 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 who are younger than 50 or older than 74 and eligible for FIT screening based on the TOP Clinical Practice Guidelines will need to speak to their primary care provider to get a lab requisition that they can take to a lab to get their FIT kit. Individuals outside of the ages of 50 to 74 will not be able to order a FIT 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.

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.

FIT Instructions for patients

This information sheet provides step-by-step instructions with how to collect a sample for the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT).

FIT resources for patients

This one-page information sheet provides resources for patients on the FIT mail out initiative.

Template for normal result letter

This page provides a sample template for the normal result letter.

Template for abnormal result letter

This page provides a sample template for the abnormal result letter.

AHS colorectal screening cancer poster - BW

This black and white poster provides information about colorectal cancer screening and the FIT test.

Return to the FIT ordering mechanism

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.