Get Screened for Breast Cancer
Eligible women, Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people ages 40+ in Ontario can now be screened for breast cancer without a physician referral as part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
Why You Should Get Screened for Breast Cancer
Early detection saves lives.
A simple screening test can identify changes that if caught early, can help improve outcomes, may be easier to treat and could even save your life.
What to Expect When Getting Screened
Breast Cancer Screening
MAMMOGRAM
EVERY 1-2 YEARS BASED ON MEDICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer. Eligible women, Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people ages 40+ in Ontario can be screened for breast cancer without a physician referral through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
Cervical Cancer Screening
PAPANICOLAOU TEST (PAP TEST)
EVERY 3 YEARS
A PAP Test is a screening test used to detect changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. PAP tests are generally recommended for women aged 25 and older.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST (FIT TEST)
EVERY 2 YEARS
A FIT test is a screening tool used to detect early signs of colon cancer. It is a simple at-home stool test which detects tiny amounts of blood in the stool which could be an indication of colon cancer. FIT tests are recommended for adults over the age of 50.
NEW!
As of October 8, 2024, eligible women, Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people ages 40 to 49 in Ontario can now be screened for breast cancer without a physician referral as part of a new eligibility expansion to the Ontario Breast Screening Program. This a change from the previous eligibility, which only included people ages 50-74.
DID YOU KNOW
Breast cancer cases in the 40 to 49 age group represent 13% of all projected breast cancer cases in Canada.
- Canadian Cancer Society
It is estimated that about 1 in 8 Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
- Canadian Cancer Ontario
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). It is the second leading cause of death from cancer in Canadian women.
- Canadian Cancer Society
