Website: www.gamma-dynacare.com
LAVAL, QC, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories today announced the introduction of a second advanced screening test for colorectal cancer, the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). This test, and the test Septin9, are designed to make screening for colorectal cancer easier for patients.
"We are very pleased to now offer patients two additional colorectal cancer screening options that are convenient and have no dietary or medicinal restrictions," said Jeffrey Sumner, Vice-President, Clinical Development and Quality Assurance, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories. "Colorectal cancer can be successfully treated or prevented through early detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps. Despite the clear benefits of screening for colorectal cancer, only half of Canadians aged over 50 follow the screening recommendations. We hope that offering these options will assist in increasing patient compliance with current screening recommendations, and thereby contribute to reducing mortality from colorectal cancer."
Gamma-Dynacare's FIT is a non-invasive test that checks for hidden (occult) blood in stool using advanced immunochemical technology. Polyps or tumours in the colon have blood vessels on their surface that can release a small amount of blood into the stool. FIT helps identify benign polyps early before they become cancerous. With this technology, FIT has a higher sensitivity than the traditional fecal occult blood test (FOBT), which is based on a chemical test using guaiac. Unlike the traditional FOBT, FIT has no dietary or medicinal restrictions. In addition, only one stool sample is required.
Gamma-Dynacare's Septin9 blood test offers an easy and accurate method to help screen for colorectal cancer. The test detects the presence of methylated Septin9 DNA in blood, which has been strongly correlated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The test is very convenient since it is performed on a blood sample and has no dietary or medicinal restrictions.
Both FIT and Septin9 are currently available from Gamma-Dynacare in the province of Quebec, with plans for a phased rollout to other provinces over the next twelve months.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada. It is estimated that in in 2011, 22,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 8,900 died of it. As colorectal cancer is largely curable when detected at an early stage, the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada recommends that all Canadians aged 50 and over undergo screening with a test detecting blood in stool (FOBT or FIT) at least once every two years. If a test is positive for blood, a colonoscopy should be performed to determine the cause of bleeding.
About Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories
Providing Information. Impacting Lives. Caring for People. By living this mission, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories will achieve its vision of becoming the trusted leader in transforming laboratory information and services into solutions that improve health, wellness and the Canadian health care system.
Gamma-Dynacare (www.gamma-dynacare.com) is one of Canada's largest and most respected providers of laboratory services and solutions, with more than 50 years of experience serving Canadians. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Gamma-Dynacare operates five laboratories in Ontario (Brampton, Bowmanville, London, Ottawa and Thunder Bay), two in Quebec (Pointe-Claire and Laval) and three in Winnipeg. In addition, Gamma-Dynacare operates more than 200 Patient Services Centres in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Gamma-Dynacare's 2,000 skilled and dedicated employees perform millions of tests each year, playing a key role in the prevention and diagnosis of disease and the treatment of patients.
Shelley Jourard, Director, Corporate Communications, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories, (905) 790-3515 or 1-866-790-3515, ext. 5377
Share this article