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Limiting colonoscopies puts Ontarians at risk

The Ford government’s decision to drastically limit colonoscopies for the early detection of colorectal cancer is putting the lives of Ontarians at risk, said NDP MPP Gilles Bisson (Timmins) during question period on Thursday.

“Early detection of colon cancer saves lives,” said Bisson. “By interfering with the work of physicians and specialists, and not allowing enough regular colonoscopies, this government is unnecessarily putting the lives of Ontarians at risk.”

The Ford government is limiting colorectal cancer screening through colonoscopies. The province has mandated that people who have a family history of colorectal cancer must wait five to 10 years after a normal colonoscopy, rather than allowing gastroenterologists to make those decisions.

“What this government has done is restrict the ability of gastroenterologists to do their jobs and provide regular colonoscopies to detect cancer early and provide the treatment needed to cure patients,” said Bisson. “By restricting colonoscopies to once every five to 10 years, this government is shortening the chances of survival of cancer patients who can be cured if the cancer is detected early.

“Why is this government so intent on micro managing physicians and gastroenterologists and putting people’s lives at risk?”

When colorectal cancer is caught early, nine out of 10 people can be cured. If colorectal cancer is not screened and detected in time, patients may miss the chance for early and more effective treatment.

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