Territory-wide colorectal cancer screening program kicks off in Rankin Inlet

Press Release

May 8, 2025

Rabkin Inlet, Nunavut (May 8, 2025) – The Government of Nunavut’s (GN), Department of Health is launching a territory-wide colorectal cancer screening program in Rankin Inlet on May 8. This initiative begins a process to scale up cancer screening to all communities to enable Nunavummiut to access testing closer to home.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nunavut. But it’s preventable and treatable when caught early. Screening helps identify cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s much easier to treat.

“We want to make sure you can take part in screenings right here, making it easier to catch cancer early and prevent it, without the added barrier of travel,” said Minister of Health John Main. “In Nunavut, getting the care needed isn’t always easy and many people have had to travel down south for tests, appointments and procedures.”

The new colorectal screening program offers free and simple stool tests to eligible Nunavummiut (50-74 years) that can help detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms appear.

A pilot project was run successfully in Gjoa Haven, Arviat and Pond Inlet in 2023. This year, Rankin Inlet, Clyde River, Kimmirut and Qikiqtarjuaq will be the first communities to benefit from the colorectal cancer screening program, which will expand to all other communities in the fall. Eligible Rankin Inlet residents will receive an invitation letter in the mail.

The FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) is a simple and private test that checks for hidden blood in your stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. The test is easy to do at home and doesn’t require any special preparation. If you are eligible, you will receive a letter inviting you to pick up a free FIT kit from the health centre. After collecting a small stool sample at home, you return it to the health centre for testing. If any concerns are found, you’ll be contacted to take further steps.

Nunavummiut are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or contact the Cancer Screening Program by calling 867-975-5943 or emailing CancerScreening@gov.nu.ca. Additional information is available on the Government of Nunavut website.

Contact

Charmaine Deogracias
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca

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