BC Cancer Screening and Prevention

03/09/2026

03/08/2026

Happy International Women's Day!

03/07/2026

Lacey’s new doctor was confused. At age 56, Lacey was six years past the time she should have started screening for colon cancer. It had never crossed the Parks and Recreation supervisor’s mind, and it hadn’t been brought up before. But Lacey was happy to do it now that she knew.

It helped that it seemed pretty easy, she just had to pick up a F***l Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit from her local lab and do the test at home. No need to change her diet or do any prep. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the test was done in a few minutes. Once she dropped her completed FIT to her local lab the next day Lacey didn’t think too much about it.

The youngest of six sisters, later found out that several of her older sisters had been getting screened starting at 50 and had just assumed she’d been too. It’s not a body part we mention often, but talking about it can help save lives, which is why Lacey is sharing her story.

It turned out that Lacey’s FIT detected blood and she was sent for a colonoscopy. Prepping for it was the worst part, the colonoscopy itself was fine. The test found that Lacey had colon cancer and after that everything moved pretty quickly – a CT scan and meeting with a surgeon the next week, then surgery. Because it was caught so early, Lacey didn’t need any further treatment.

The whole thing was a bit of a shock. Lacey didn’t have any symptoms. She wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for the FIT. So now she tells others why it’s so important to start colon screening at age 50.

One thing Lacey promised herself when she was diagnosed was that she would travel across Canada more. Since she’s been cancer free, Lacey went to Toronto for the first time and returned a second time with her daughter. She also recently visited New Denver and Nelson.

Lacey’s advice if you’re considering screening – “If I had waited until I had symptoms I might not be here. Yes, it can be scary thinking that you might have cancer, but you also might not. It’s better to know.”

If you’re 50+, talk to a health care provider about getting screened today.

Learn more: screeningbc.ca/colon

03/05/2026

Join us next week on Wednesday for a virtual nutrition class – Food Choices to Manage Bowel Changes – led by a BC Cancer registered dietitian! The class is most appropriate for patients with tumours located in the colorectal, gynecological and prostate areas.

Class content will focus on:

• Food choices to manage bowel symptoms, such as diarrhea, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and discomfort

• Manage treatment side effects of the bowel through diet; and

• Prevent or reduce risk of a bowel blockage.

📅 When: Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2:30-3:30 PM PST
🔗 Register here: https://ow.ly/5ONp50Y42MI

Can't make it? The next class is Apr. 8 from 2:30-3:30 PM PST.

03/04/2026

Learn more about the HPV vaccine: www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/get-hpv-vaccine

03/03/2026

Happy Nutrition Month! From Northern BC to south Vancouver Island our dietitians have you covered. Have questions about diet or nutrition through cancer treatment?

Contact Nutrition Services at your regional centre or learn more bccancer.bc.ca/our-services/services/supportive-care/nutrition --we--do

And keep following us here this month for more nutrition tips to help reduce cancer risk.

03/02/2026

Did you know colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer? Screening can detect it before it develops, and before there are symptoms. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

If you're ages 50-74 talk to a health care provider about screening today.

Most people can screen with an easy at-home test (F***l Immunochemical Test or FIT).

Learn more: screeningbc.ca/colon

02/28/2026

As dietitians, we’re usually talking about food when it comes to cancer prevention, but what’s just as powerful is moving our bodies.

Physical activity helps our bodies to fully use the nourishing, nutrient-rich foods that we’re eating. And it doesn’t have to be complicated!

It can look like a brisk walk on your lunch break, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or simply getting outside in the snow to play.

So grab an activity buddy - human or furry - and aim for at least 30minutes of intentional movement each day.

Misuzu, BC Cancer Dietitian

02/27/2026

The best exercise is the one you will actually do — combining physical activity and exercise helps build a sustainable routine.

02/25/2026

If you want to become active, or increase your activity, even small bouts of movement make a big difference.

I often tell people to start with activities they enjoyed in the past, or are currently doing. Something like stretching or walking.

From there, increase the duration of that activity by 5-10 minutes over a few weeks and then the intensity as it feels right.

The best movement routine is the one you’ll actually stick with. Start with small bouts of activity that you can fit into your regular routine — like this home workout — and build gradually to make movement a lasting habit.

02/23/2026

As of April 1, 2026 BC Cancer Breast Screening will mail you a letter only if follow-up or action is needed. If your breast screening results are normal and no follow-up is needed, you will no longer receive a letter in the mail.

We will continue to mail you breast screening reminders when you’re due and results that need follow-up.

You can still get your results in other ways:

◾Online through Health Gateway: www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca
These include screening reminder and result letters created on or after your account sign-up date and going back to November, 28, 2024

◾You can contact your health care provider for your results.

◾You can ask for a mailed copy of your results by calling the Breast Screening Client Services Centre at 1-800-663-9203.

Most results are ready about 3 weeks after your mammogram.

Sending fewer letters helps reduce unnecessary mail.

02/21/2026

Kate started smoking in Grade 8. Sneaking ci******es between classes was pretty normal at her Kitsilano High School.

But as time went on we all began to learn about the negative health impacts of smoking. When people who smoke started being corralled into smaller and smaller spaces, then banished outside further and further away, it felt very marginalizing.

Kate worked hard to quit. The community news reporter tried it all – hypnosis, laser, you name it. Kate managed to stop when she was pregnant with her daughter. But she found she was always drawn back in.

“It’s a very social habit. If you are lonely or isolated or don’t fit in, you’ll always fit in if you find another smoker,” explains Kate.

It was shame that ultimately helped her quit long term. Now she worries that shame will stop people who smoke from taking part in lung screening.

Kate saw an article in the Times Colonist about the lung screening program when it launched in 2022. She felt like it was a way to do something positive for her health, almost redemptive, so she signed up. A CT scan showed a shadow on her lung. Kate had regular screening to monitor the spot and when it appeared to be growing, she got a biopsy. That biopsy showed it was benign.

“I was grateful that I didn’t have to tell my daughter that I was ill. That was my biggest fear. I knew if I had a bad diagnosis that I could handle it, but I didn’t want to place that on my daughter. I remember what it was like when my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was a single mother at the time and the stress was enormous. I wanted to spare my daughter.”

Kate wants other people who have smoked to know that they aren’t a burden on the system if they get screened. “You’re doing yourself and the system a favour because this simple step is quick and cheap compared to later stage lung cancer. Not just financially but emotionally too.”

Follow Kate’s advice and don’t let shame stop you from taking care of your health.

“Lung screening can save you a lifetime of worry.”

Learn more about lung screening: screeningbc.ca/lung