Excellence in colon cancer prevention.
Leaders in colon cancer screening through efficient, innovative and excellent care, research and education.
The Forzani and MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre (CCSC) is the only publicly funded facility dedicated to colon cancer screening in Canada. Operated by Alberta Health Services, CCSC offers comprehensive care, with a focus on screening and early detection of colon cancer.
In 2003, the former Calgary Health Region made a pledge to expand the capacity to perform colonoscopies. This pledge was fulfilled in 2008 with the opening of the CCSC. An added benefit of the CCSC is it has freed up capacity in the hospital-based system, previously used for colon cancer screening, so it can now be used for the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic gastrointestinal disease.
It was built in a true spirit of collaboration, involving the University of Calgary, the former Calgary Health Region, the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine Divisions of Gastroenterology and Colorectal Surgery, along with the generous support of The Forzani Group Foundation, the MacPhail family and the community.
Learn more about the support provided by the Forzani Group Foundation and the MacPhail family.
The CCSC has achieved its goals. The number of colonoscopies performed each year at the CCSC has grown from nearly 5,000 in 2008 to over 18,000 in 2013. At the same time, the number of diagnostic colonoscopies and other endoscopic procedures performed at hospital endoscopy units has also grown. This represents a remarkable increase in the capacity to perform colonoscopies, an essential diagnostic tool for colon cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases.
In January 2012 a review was undertaken to analyze the impact of the CCSC on the number of colonoscopies performed in Calgary and usage of the CCSC by residents of Calgary and surrounding areas. To obtain more detailed information, please read the full report.
CCSC’s aim is to reduce the risk of dying from colon cancer, a devastating disease that results in the death of approximately 9,000 Canadians every year. This commitment to expanded screening capacity in the Calgary zone underlines what we now know about this disease - it can be effectively prevented and treated when it is detected through screening in its earliest stages.
CCSC is funded by Alberta Health Services and is part of Alberta's publicly funded health care system. People are seen based on priority according to urgency and risk assessment in accordance with established guidelines.
Beyond providing clinical screening and treatment, CCSC is actively engaged in clinical research and education.
In March of 2007, the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (ACRCSP) was launched. It is a province-wide initiative recommending that all Albertans be tested annually using the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) beginning at age 50. CCSC works closely with the ACRCSP, which is coordinated by Alberta Health Services, in partnership with healthcare providers.
CCSC is grateful for the generous support of its founding donors, The Forzani Group Foundation and the MacPhail family, as well as other supporters in the community. Learn more about How to Donate.
