Colorectal cancer screening in Canada: 2021/2022

Returning the colorectal screening tests

There are many ways for participants to return their colorectal screening test. Most jurisdictions allow participants to drop off their tests at a community hospital or community health centre, at the lab, or to mail the tests using pre-paid postage that was provided with the testing kit. Only NT and QC allow for drop off at pick up location, like PCP’s office or collection centre.

Most jurisdictions recommend returning the screening test within 7 days of sample collection, as samples need to be analyzed within 15 days of sample collection. YT, ON, QC, and PE recommend returning the test within 48 hours of sample collection.

Returning the colorectal screening tests

_{ON: *People who live in a First Nations community can contact their health centre or nursing station to discuss drop-off options
ON: ^Participants can drop off their FIT at any LifeLabs Patient Service Centre
PE: ~and PCP offices with a lab run}

Recommended timeframe for kit return

_{MB and NB: *Must be analyzed within 14 days of sample collection
ON: ^Participants are encouraged to return their completed kit by mail or drop off option within 48 hours so that it can be tested at the lab within 14 days of completion.
NB: ~Participants are encouraged to avoid mailing the completed kit on a Thursday and Friday before the weekend and before holidays.}