Cancer happens when cells in your body that are not normal grow and divide. These cells continue to grow and join together to make a larger clump called a tumor (too-mer), which can grow and damage the normal cells around it. It can also spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is best treated if caught early.
Cancer screening tests check if there's a very small amount of cancer in your body, so it's best to do them on a regular basis while you're feeling normal. In Ontario, there are screening tests for three types of cancer: colorectal cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Is your cancer screening up to date?
Routine Mammogram for Breast Cancer Screening
Getting screened regularly with mammography is important because it can find cancer early when it is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. Treatment may also have a better chance of working when breast cancer is found early.
The Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program has lowered the screening age from 50 to 40. Those aged 40-49 no longer require a referral from their health care provider but are encouraged to talk to their health care provider or Health811 navigator to make an informed decision about whether breast cancer screening is right for them. Read more about Breast Cancer Screening for People Ages 40-49.
To book your mammogram, either:
- Call 1-800-668-9304
- Choose a location near you (Breast Screening Locations & Wait Times)
Cervical Cancer Screening
As of March 3, 2025, Ontario replaced the Pap test with a new cervical screening test that checks for human papillomavirus (HPV). Compared to the Pap test, the HPV test is better at detecting cancer and pre-cancer and reduces false negatives. It also allows most people to screen once every 5 years.
You can stop regular cervical screening at the age of 70 if you have had 3 or more normal tests in the previous 10 years.
Eligible people need to get cervical screening even if they:
- feel healthy and have no symptoms
- are no longer sexually active
- have only had 1 sexual partner
- are in a same-sex relationship
- have been through menopause
- have no family history of cervical cancer
- have received the HPV vaccine
People who have had a hysterectomy should talk to their doctor or nurse practitioner to see if they need to continue cervical screening.
If you are due for cervical screening, you can book an appointment with our Health Promoter (RPN). Please note: Cervical screening test appointments can be booked with either your physician or our Health Promoter, whichever you prefer.
FIT Stool Test for Colon Cancer Screening
With early detection, 9 out of 10 people with colon cancer can be cured. In later stages, treatment may not be as effective. This is why FIT screening is so important. Better still, the testing is painless and quick.
A FIT stool test should be performed every 2 years in people ages 50 to 74 who are average risk for colorectal cancer.
If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps or you've experienced rectal bleeding, FIT screening may not be the right screening choice for you.
Please note: It takes 3-4 weeks to receive the kit in the mail and it needs to be completed and returned within 5 months.