Urgences QC
FreeEvery 5 years
Colonoscopy
Parent, sibling or child diagnosed before 60
How to get it
1
Before you call anyone, note who in your family had colorectal cancer and how old they were when it was diagnosed, since you’ll be asked.
2
If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, tell them about it and ask for a screening colonoscopy. The official rule is on your card above if they want to see it.
3
If you don’t have one, you can book a colorectal screening appointment through Clic Santé or at 1-877-644-4545 and explain your family history there, or ask the Primary Care Access Point (GAP) online or by calling 811, option 3.
4
The day before the colonoscopy you follow a special diet and take a laxative to empty your bowel. If it isn’t empty, the doctor can’t see well and you’ll have to book again and redo the preparation. Ask the clinic beforehand which medicines to keep taking and which to stop.
5
Ask someone to drive you home, because you can’t drive for up to 24 hours if you’re given a sedative.
What to say
“Hello, I don’t have a family doctor. A close family member had colorectal cancer, and I’d like to talk to someone about getting a screening colonoscopy.
What it’s like
A colonoscopy lasts 15 to 30 minutes. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a small camera into your rectum and looks at the inside of your large intestine on a screen. Air or gas is pumped in to get a better view, which can be uncomfortable or painful, so you may be given something for the pain and a sedative to help you relax. Polyps are usually removed during the exam, and removing them doesn’t hurt.
The details
Who it’s for
A parent, brother, sister or child had colorectal cancer before age 60 or at an unknown age: a colonoscopy every 5 years from age 40, or from 10 years before the youngest relative’s age at diagnosis if that is earlier.
Cost
Free for most eligible people