Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

In Canada, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Screening can prevent CRC by detecting and removing precancerous lesions. Screening can also detect CRC at an early stage when people have no symptoms. In fact, when detected early through screening, CRC is often cured with surgery alone. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends CRC screening for average risk individuals aged 50-75. Despite these and other guidelines, CRC screening uptake remains low. Our research group has studied issues in delivery of CRC screening and we have undertaken initiatives to improve screening uptake, quality, and accessibility. Since all Canadian provinces have either announced or begun to implement organized CRC screening, there is heightened public interest in CRC screening. The target audience includes members of the public who are interested in CRC and cancer prevention. In Quebec, the pilot screening program is about to get underway, and engaging the public in discussion through a Café Scientifique is timely. Due to the part of the anatomy examined, CRC screening is an unusual topic of public discourse. The objectives of the Café Scientifique are to: 1) Stimulate discussion among panel members and participants regarding CRC screening delivery, how it may be improved, and current research in this area; 2) Engage participants to share ideas on and experiences with the delivery, quality, accessibility, and use of CRC screening.