The Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program recommends women ages 50-74 years get screened every two years, but a woman’s age and family medical history will help determine when screening should occur.
Cancer Prevention
The Ontario Ministry of Health funds Ontario’s free screening programs for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers. Details on Cancer Care Ontario programs, screening tools, and clinic locations can be found at Cancer Care Ontario. Or you can call Health 811 (dial 8-1-1) to discuss your cancer screening needs.
Cancer Care Ontario recommends women 21 years of age and older who are or have been sexually active should get Pap tests every three years to screen for cervical cancer. Women 70 years old and older can stop having Pap tests if they have had three or more normal test results in the past 10 years.
With the main cause of cervical cancer being the human papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination against HPV is strongly recommended and currently available for all Grade 7 students in the province. Family medical history will help determine when screening should occur.
The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a screening test available for people at average risk of getting colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). A colonoscopy test may be recommended by your health care provider. Please discuss the most appropriate test based on your health status, with your health care provider.
Multiorgan Cancers that can be Prevented
Smoking and/or vaping tobacco or cannabis products can lead to several types of cancer including:
- cervical cancer,
- colorectal cancer,
- lung cancer,
- mouth and throat cancer; and
- cancers related to second hand smoke.
The Ontario government provides help with quitting smoking or vaping: Support to quit smoking | ontario.ca. Or call Health811 (dial 811).
The Center for Addiction and Mental Health: provides free medication, while supplies last.
The Ottawa Heart Institute’s community program, provides free medication, while supplies last. Smokers Helpline provides a free sample pack of medication, while supplies last.
Skin cancer linked to sun exposure in summer and winter, can be prevented.
Environment Canada provides regular ultraviolet radiation updates, to help plan sun related activities, in summer and winter Canadian Daily UV Index Forecast - Environment Canada (weather.gc.ca)
Consult your health care provider about skin cancer information, including changes in your skin’s appearance, including pharmacists. Pharmacists can be a source of information related to skin changes Pharmacies | ontario.ca
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.