Screening colonoscopies in Canada: What's the point?

Same old single-payer story. Why have screening guidelines at all if it takes so long to get the test?

Quebecers hoping to be screened for colon cancer are facing up to a year-long wait for diagnostic tests that could save their lives.

That’s unacceptable, Barry Stein, head of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, said yesterday.

“You can’t just walk in the door and get a colonoscopy. Why? Not enough (specialists), not enough equipment,” Stein said.

Quebecers aren’t alone. Canadians attempting to follow their family doctor’s advice to get a colonoscopy at age 50 are having trouble booking a specialist.

But the situation is dire for those at risk. For example, people with a family history of cancer aren’t getting tested in a timely manner, experts warned.

Some aren’t taking chances and are opting for testing in a private clinic.