New tests now available in Manitoba identify patients at high risk for cancer

New screening tests are now available in Manitoba to identify patients facing a greater risk for inherited colon cancer and other cancers.

Health minister Erin Selby announced Monday all colorectal surgery patients will be screened to see if they're at greater risk for colon cancer. They'll also be tested for lynch syndrome.

People with the lynch syndrome gene have up to a 60 per cent risk of developing colorectal cancer in their life time.

Megan Tucker, is a colon cancer survivor. She and her brother started undergoing regular cancer screening after learning they are both carriers of Lynch Syndrome.

“By further encouraging the education of cancer care providers and physicians about Lynch Syndrome, we can greatly improve the quality and quantity of life that Lynch families will experience,” said Tucker.

Diagnostic Services Manitoba will offer the Lynch Syndrome tests.

Genetic tests for breast cancer are also available and the province is looking at the possibility of expanding genetic screening for other forms of cancer.