2020 Report–Volume 2: Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Improvements Needed December 8, 2020

News Release: 2020 Report–Volume 2: Provincial Auditor Reports Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Improvements Needed

REGINA, SK., December 8, 2020:  In her 2020 Report – Volume 2, Chapter 21, Provincial Auditor Judy Ferguson reports the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program is following best practices in many areas of service delivery, but more work is needed to improve participation rates, reduce the wait times for colonoscopies, and determine a specified timeframe for providing colonoscopy results to patients.

“Two statistics reflect the importance of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Saskatchewan, and approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancers can be prevented or successfully treated if caught early,” Provincial Auditor Judy Ferguson said.

The Office notes the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program’s overall participation rate has remained relatively unchanged since 2014, with some decline in Northern Saskatchewan where participation rates are already lower. The Program helps screen individuals who may have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Saskatchewan’s participation rate is 47 percent over the two-year period 2018-2020. While the highest in Canada, it falls short of Canada’s national benchmark of 60 percent.

The Office found the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency needs to use key performance indicators that are consistent with national good practice to measure the success of the screening program. In addition, it needs to analyze its promotional strategies to determine if they help to increase participation rates by raising awareness and educating residents at higher risk of colorectal cancer.

The audit found 22 individuals who waited longer than 60 days (i.e., the national benchmark) for a colonoscopy; the colonoscopy detected cancer. The audit also found 12 individuals who waited between 15 and 104 days for results from their colonoscopy; they were diagnosed with cancer.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency needs to work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to reduce the wait time for colonoscopies, and determine a reasonable timeframe for providing patients with results from colonoscopies. The Agency collaborates with the Authority to deliver the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

“Increasing program participation would mean more individuals could be diagnosed early. Earlier diagnosis means improved quality of care and better health outcomes for individuals with colorectal cancer,” Ferguson said.

The full Provincial Auditor’s 2020 Report – Volume 2 is available online at www.auditor.sk.ca.

The Provincial Auditor is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The Office promotes accountability and better management by providing Legislators and the public with an independent assessment of the government’s use of public resources.

 

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