Removing barriers for free cancer screening

The Mobile Cancer Screening Coach visits Simcoe to offer free breast, cervix, and colorectal screenings for residents. From left are Stacy Sordo, Meghan Welch, and Carrie Claxton, welcoming all to the coach bus. It will return on a bi-monthly basis for the foreseeable future.

Alex Hunt

Advocate Correspondent

A mobile cancer screening coach, parked at the Norfolk Family Health Team in Simcoe, will return on Nov. 13, followed by every other month, to offer free breast, cervix and colorectal screenings.

Dr. Meghan Davis, Regional Primary Care Lead for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program, said the main purpose of the mobile coach is to remove barriers for people who wish to get tested for cancer - even if they’re not experiencing symptoms. 

Davis adds that barriers might include people not having a family doctor, lost faith in the healthcare system, as well as cultural and language barriers. The program is in conjunction with Brantford Ontario Health Team. 

“It's bringing it closer to home. We are trying to remove the barriers when getting cancer screening. It is such an important part of taking care of our health to look for cancer and find those symptoms as early as possible,” said Dr. Davis. 

“We also give out colorectal cancer kits so those are at-home poop tests, instead of mailing it to the client we can give them the kit right when they get on the coach. It’s a fantastic test, it's very easy and you do it at home in the privacy of your own bathroom, and you can drop it off in the mail.”

Dr. Davis said that there is a private exam area where they can conduct cervix screenings that search for potential changes. The screening was launched last March from Ontario Health. There is also on-site smoking counseling where people can receive free nicotine replacement therapy.

The coach, which earlier set up in Simcoe on Sept. 17, accepts booked appointments as well as drop-ins. 

“I believe so much in prevention trying to not smoke, eat well, exercise, sleep. With colorectal cancer when you catch it early, nine out of 10 people can be cured,” said Dr. Davis. “It’s a very human thing to be scared of something but talking about it with people helps. The things that we hold within ourselves just get bigger and bigger the longer we hold it in.”

Dr. Davis says the team at the coach team is attentive and creates an environment where patients feel safe and engaged. She emphasizes that sharing concerns is very important, and the staff carefully follows up on results to ensure that nobody’s results get lost. 

“This is for people who have no symptoms. If you’re feeling great and healthy then this coach is for you - you catch it before it potentially becomes a problem. The team is very dedicated and welcoming,” said Dr. Davis. “Everyone will feel that when they come here, they are magically a group of people dedicated to helping the community.”  

Those who wish to book an appointment for November can call 905-975-4467 or 855 338-3131.