CCS urges governments across Canada to match PEI's decisive action to detect cancer earlier.
Ottawa – March 30, 2026 – The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) commends Prince Edward Island for its leadership as the province becomes the first in Canada to lower the start age for organized colorectal cancer screening programs to 45 for people at average risk. This is an important step forward, and one the organization hopes will build momentum for similar change across Canada.
PEI’s announcement comes just weeks after CCS called on provinces and territories to take action in response to rising rates of colorectal cancer among adults under 50. By moving quickly, the province has demonstrated its commitment to saving and improving lives through prevention and early detection, setting a powerful example for jurisdictions across the country.
“Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger Canadians, and this change will help find more cancers earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful,” said Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. “Prince Edward Island’s leadership shows what's possible when governments act decisively to align screening programs with evidence.”
A quiet but consistent national leader
Prince Edward Island has a strong record of moving early on cancer prevention and screening. It was one of the first provinces to lower the breast cancer screening start age to 40, the first to transition to HPV testing for cervical cancer screening, and an early adopter of progressive tobacco control policies such as a minimum legal age of 21. Together, these decisions reflect a long-standing pattern of thoughtful, evidence-driven leadership.
“We’re proud to be the first province in Canada to lower the age for colorectal cancer screening—because this is about saving lives. For Islanders, this means more chances to catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and more families getting more time together. It’s a practical step that will lead to better outcomes and fewer lives lost.” — The Honourable Cory Deagle, Minister of Health and Wellness
A call for other provinces and territories to follow
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Incidence of colorectal cancer among people younger than 50 has risen sharply in recent decades, with the likelihood of a diagnosis now 2 to 2.5 times higher than previous generations of the same age. Lowering the screening age to 45 can help detect precancerous conditions earlier and find cancers at an earlier stage.
“To save more lives, we urge all provinces and territories to follow PEI’s lead,” adds Dr Edmonds. “Everyone in Canada deserves timely access to screening that reflects current cancer trends. Provinces and territories that move quickly can help change the trajectory of colorectal cancer.”
Quotes
“Prince Edward Island is setting a powerful example for the rest of Canada by becoming the first province to lower the starting age for average-risk colorectal cancer screening to 45. At Colorectal Cancer Canada, through our Screen at 45 campaign, we have called for this change because the evidence is clear: screening earlier can detect colorectal cancer sooner, prevent cancers from developing, and ultimately save lives. We commend PEI for its leadership and urge other provinces and territories to follow without delay.”
— Barry D. Stein, President and CEO, Colorectal Cancer Canada
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
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