Skip to main content
Fr Donate
  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Find cancer early
  4. Move your butt

MOVE YOUR BUTT
Get screened for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death in Quebec.
Donate now
  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Find cancer early
  4. Move your butt

Every year in March, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Canadian Cancer Society's Move Your Butt campaign raises awareness among Quebecers between the ages of 50 and 74 to get screened for colorectal cancer.

[Two people walking. Only their backs are shown from waist down.]

Narrator: Everyone has one. 

Narrator: We look at it, we touch it, and we move it every day. 

[A woman bends down to pet a dog.]

[One woman walking.  Only their back is shown from waist down.]

[A man puts his wallet in the back pocket of his jeans.]

[A woman dances with two children.  She is moving her hips.]

[A man spins around with his arms out while a child rides on their back.]

Narrator: We need it to get both little things and big things done.

[A man and a child are playing ice hockey on an outdoor rink.]

[Two people are dancing with their hands on each other's waist.]

[A person is riding a stationary bicycle in a fitness centre.]

Narrator: But when it’s time to talk about it, we get all quiet. Colorectal cancer is the 2nd deadliest cancer in Quebec. Nearly 95% of cases occur after the age of 50.

[A woman wearing a stethoscope leads a man into a room.] [A man sits in a deck chair.]

[A montage of imagery of people being shown from behind.]

Narrator: Yet, colorectal cancer can be detected early with a simple, quick and painless screening test that which you can take at home. It could change your future. 

[A man is shown climbing stairs]

[A woman is shown from behind exercising.]

[A person is shown riding a bike along a road in wooded area]

[A person is bending over.]

Narrator: It could change your future

[A man and woman are walking on the beach holding hands.]

Narrator: Two minutes and it's done.

[A woman is closing a drawer in her kitchen. She uses her hips to do it.]

Narrator: Move your butt, take the test.

[A person is standing up from a chair, grabbing a screening test and going into a bathroom.]

[People are shown from behind, holding each other by the shoulders.]

Words on screen: Bouge tes fesses. Fais le test de dépistage du cancer colorectal.

[The Canadian Cancer Society logo and the words “Ça prend une société” appear on screen.]

You can now book an appointment on Clic Santé (a free service) to get a test. You can also get a prescription through a doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner.   

It is essential to take action and take the colorectal screening test every 2 years. Approximately 95% of cancer cases occur after the age of 50. Yet this type of cancer can be treated in 90% of cases when detected early. 

Early detection could save your life!

“In 2017, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. I can now say that I’m a survivor. Had I known that there was a simple, effective and non-invasive screening test (FIT) that can help prevent this ... I don't understand why we don't talk about it more! I'm lucky to be here and to talk about it today; people shouldn’t take any chances with their health!”

Dan Bigras, ambassador and colorectal cancer survivor

A few statistics

Diagnosed

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most diagnosed cancer and the 2nd deadliest cancer in Quebec.

Colorectal cancer cases

Nearly 95% of colorectal cancer cases occur after the age of 50.

Treated in 90% of cases

Colorectal cancer can be treated in 90% of cases when detected early.

Just as I was about to turn 50, my doctor recommended that I get tested for colorectal cancer – a simple, painless procedure that saved my life. I was diagnosed with stage 1 colorectal cancer and I’m doing well today. I challenged myself to get out of my comfort zone and tell my story because it needs to be told. If my story can convince a single person to get tested, then it’s worth it.

Valérie Pâquet, ambassador and colorectal cancer survivor
I’ve been a family physician for over 30 years, and I guide patients through difficult challenges every day. But in 2016, I saw the flipside of the doctor-patient relationship when I was diagnosed with stage 1 colorectal cancer. Because my cancer was detected early, all it took was one operation. Being a patient is what truly made me realize the importance of early detection. So to all those who are still on the fence: do it, it’s worth it. Don’t neglect your health, move your butt and get tested!
Dr Claude Rivard, ambassador and colorectal cancer survivor

I’m a radio host. My job is to find stories, to listen to experts and to understand the issues that affect our world. All too often, I hear stories about cancers that were discovered too late, harsh treatments, and overwhelmed families.

So when you know that a simple test can reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer or even prevent it, it’s your duty to talk about it.

Élisabeth Crête, ambassador

Colorectal cancer

The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine and the digestive system. Colon and rectal cancers are grouped together as colorectal cancer because these organs are made of the same tissues and there isn’t a clear border between them.

Colon cancer

It starts in the cells of the colon. Cells in the colon sometimes change and no longer grow or behave normally. In some cases, changes to colon cells can cause colon cancer. Most often, colon cancer starts in gland cells that line the wall of the colon.

Colon cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in the very early stages of the disease when the tumour is still small. Symptoms often only appear when it spreads to nearby tissues and organs.

Colorectal cancer screening test (FIT)

The colorectal cancer screening test can find colorectal cancer early. Given that this type of cancer often leaves traces of blood in the stool (poop) that are invisible to the naked eye, this at-home test involves collecting a very small stool sample that is later analyzed in the laboratory.

The test is quick, painless, and easy to do in the comfort of your own home.

Finding colorectal cancer

If you’re between the ages of 50 and 74, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends taking the colorectal screening test (FIT) every two years, even if you don’t have symptoms or aren’t at high risk for colorectal cancer. And it’s even more important for those with a family history to take the test.

How to get the test?

  • You can book an appointment on Clic Santé or speak to a doctor or specialized nurse practitioner.
  • Medical monitoring is provided, even without a family doctor or specialized nurse practitioner.
  • This service is free.
  • You can directly access the colorectal cancer screening test at local service points (i.e. specimen collection, screening and vaccination centres).

Frequently asked questions

With so many medical tests and procedures out there, it’s only normal to be confused about what they do and might reveal.

So if you’re between the ages of 50 and 74, don’t wait until you have symptoms to talk to a family doctor or specialized nurse practitioner about the colorectal screening test (FIT)!

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that people aged 50 to 74, who are not at high risk for colorectal cancer, take the FIT every two years, as the risk of developing this disease increases considerably with age, making it important to start taking the test as of 50 years old.
The colorectal screening test is an at-home screening test that involves taking a very small stool (poop) sample. It’s an easy, quick, non-invasive and non-restrictive test that requires minimal stool handling. The instructions are easy to follow and you don’t have to fast or change your diet or medications before taking the test.
  • You can book an appointment on Clic Santé or speak to a doctor or specialized nurse practitioner.
  • Medical follow-up is provided, even without a family doctor or specialized nurse practitioner.
  • This service is free.
  • You can directly access the colorectal cancer screening test at local service points (i.e. specimen collection, screening and vaccination centres).

The colorectal cancer screening test (FIT) detects blood in the stool that is invisible to the naked eye. If the FIT reveals traces of blood in the stool, a positive result, then the doctor will recommend further investigation in the form of a colonoscopy to establish a diagnosis.

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows seeing inside the large intestine to check for precancerous polyps.

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

  • No prior preparation needed.
  • A free test that can be obtained at a specimen collection centre with a prescription.
  • The test is done by the patient, at home, by collecting a small stool (poop) sample, with minimal handling required.
  • A fast and easy test to take in the comfort of your own home.

Diagnostic test (colonoscopy)

  • The patient takes a laxative on the day before and on the day of the procedure and must abstain from certain foods and medications.
  • The procedure is ordered by a doctor if the FIT result is positive or if a patient is high risk.
  • The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist in-office or in hospital. Patients must be accompanied and cannot drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
  • While it carries some risks, this procedure is necessary when the FIT result is positive.
To learn more about the benefits and limitations of these tests, the Canadian Cancer Society encourages you to consult your family doctor or a doctor from a walk-in clinic.

The FIT screening test allows early detection of colorectal cancer by detecting traces of blood in the stool invisible to the naked eye. The test yields three possible results: negative, positive or inconclusive.

In event of a positive result, moving to the next step (a colonoscopy) is advised.

  • Getting a stool analysis can be reassuring if the results are negative.
    • A stool test can prevent cancer by detecting bleeding polyps, which can be removed before they become cancerous.
    • A stool test can sometimes suggest the presence of a polyp or cancer where there is none (false positive result).
  • A stool test may not always detect the presence of a polyp or cancer (false negative result).
  • Some colorectal cancers aren’t necessarily fatal and don’t reduce quality of life in any way (overdiagnosis).
  • A colonoscopy may be necessary if the stool analysis yields a positive result.
    • This procedure involves looking at the inside of the colon with a camera to determine the origin of the bleeding. If you have polyps, these may be removed during the procedure. If there are early signs of cancer, you will be treated by a medical team.

A FIT test cannot be analyzed if done incorrectly or too much time has passed between when you took it and when it was analyzed. In this case, you will need to take it again, taking care to follow the instructions received with your sample collection kit.

 

You may be at higher risk if you have:

  • a parent, sibling or child with colorectal cancer
  • a personal history of colorectal cancer
  • a personal history of non-cancerous (benign) polyps in the colon or rectum
  • inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
  • inherited conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC)
  • signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer

Talk to your doctor about your risk. If you are at higher risk, you may need a personal plan for testing. 

If you have symptoms, consult your family doctor, your specialized nurse practitioner, or go to a walk-in clinic as soon as possible.
You can speak to a family doctor or specialized nurse practitioner or book an appointment on Clic Santé to get assessed. The nurse will explain the appropriate process.
Since the Canadian Cancer Society’s recommendations concern asymptomatic people between the ages of 50 and 74 who are not at high risk for colorectal cancer, we encourage you to consult your family doctor or a doctor/nurse practitioner from a walk-in clinic.
The Canadian Cancer Society urges the Quebec government to quickly implement a structured colorectal cancer screening program. An organized program will mean that every Quebecer between the ages of 50 and 74 would receive a personalized letter acting like a prescription. More than 2 million people could get tested without having to see a family doctor or a nurse practitioner.

My life has changed dramatically since my stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis. Surgery, chemo, treatments cycles … I never thought I’d have to face all this. If I had known that I could have gotten tested as of the age of 50, my retirement would probably have gone as planned. My cancer journey may not be over yet, but I’ve come to see life differently now. If talking about the screening test can spare even one family from this ordeal, then it will have been worth it.

Joanne Drolet, ambassador and colorectal cancer survivor

I come across people with colorectal cancer a whole lot, and my job allows me to help prevent it. Many of these cancers are preventable. This is why talking about prevention and the FIT screening is all the more important! People engage in magical thinking when they assume they won’t ever get sick, but cancer doesn't care about your race or your gender. The more we talk about it, the faster we can get through it, together.

Dr Nicolas Benoit, ambassador and gastroenterologist
Fatigue was my only symptom when I was suddenly diagnosed with colon cancer almost 13 years ago. But I didn't let this silent killer bring me down. I stayed positive and listened to the advice of specialists to emerge victorious. In recent years, I’ve become very involved in getting the word out and remain committed to talking about prevention.
Dominique Michel, ambassador and colorectal cancer survivor
Having lost my father to colorectal cancer, this cause hits home. My dad’s generation didn’t see doctors very often. It wasn’t the norm, and yet this lack of prevention is what cost him his life. Today, we’re fortunate to have access to simple, quick and accessible tests that can prevent history from repeating itself. When it comes to sports and our health, being proactive is a must, and prevention is our best tool.
Alain Crête, ambassador
Having worked in the GI surgical field for some time, I’ve attended to many colon cancer patients. Today, I find myself on the front lines in the emergency room and always encourage patients aged 50 to 74 to get regular testing. I know the flip side of the coin and prevention is the key! As a nurse, I feel it’s my duty to talk about early detection and to educate the people around me.
Esther François, nurse
For any other questions, contact the Canadian Cancer Society by email or by phone at 1-888-939-3333.
It takes a society.

Thank you to our partners

Your trusted source for accurate cancer information

With just $5 from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.

We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.

If everyone reading this gave just $5, we could achieve our goal this month to fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.