Our cancer screening services includes Breast Cancer Screening (mammogram), Cervical Cancer Screening (pap test), Colorectal Cancer and Colonoscopy Screening.
Cancer Care Ontario
Canadian Cancer Society
Breast Screening
We know that breast cancer belongs to the group of the four most prevalent cancers, but we also know that by doing a breast X-Ray (mammogram) eligible women can detect cancer in its early stages and receive treatment.
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) provides mammograms. Its mission is to reduce mortality from breast cancer by delivering high quality breast screening to Ontario women between the ages of 50 and 74. Breast screening services are also available at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
Women eligible for screening in the OBSP include:
- Ontario residents
- 50 years of age and over
- no acute breast symptoms
- no personal history of breast cancer
- have not had a mammogram within the past 12 months
- no history of breast implants
Resources
Cancer Care Ontario - Breast Cancer Screening
Cervical Screening
Cervical cancer can be prevented through early detection and interventions. Screening with Pap tests can detect cell changes and precancerous lesions.
Currently, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that anyone with a cervix (women, transmasculine and non-binary people) who is or ever has been sexually active have a Pap test every 3 years starting at age 21. But we are in the process of updating this recommendation. If you are under 25, talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner about whether you should wait until age 25 before starting cervical screening with the Pap test.
Resources
Cancer Care Ontario - Cervical Cancer Screening
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in Canada. The goal of the screening program is to detect cancer in those people who do not have any symptoms of the disease.
Screening for colorectal cancer has been shown to reduce the number of deaths from the disease.
The Fecal Occult Blood Test Kit is an easy way to check for colorectal cancer
The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is the screening method for average risk people between the ages of 50 and 74 used by Colon Cancer Check. It's a simple test that you can do in the privacy of your home. The FOBT is the most widely available test for screening for colorectal cancer.
It is recommended that men and women between the ages of 50 and 74, who do not have a family history of colorectal cancer and do not have symptoms, be screened every two years using an FOBT. Studies show when this screening test is performed every two years, combined with a colonoscopy for those who test positive, it will reduce death from colorectal cancer by 16 per cent over a decade.
Before you do the test, please check the expiry date on the back of the test card where it says 'DO NOT OPEN'. For more information, go to Frequently Asked Questions.
Colonoscopy may even reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps and preventing the cancer from occurring in the first place. Patients between the ages of 50-75 and those at high risk of colorectal cancer because of family history are screened.
The Colonoscopy Screening Program is safe and effective, with zero major complications and standards similar to other screening programs. By participating in colonoscopy screening, you can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer by removing polyps and reduce mortality from the disease through early identification and treatment. You can also help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise to maintain a healthy body weight. Avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also help lower your risk.
If you are a patient over the age of 50 or have a brother, sister or parent with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps, talk to your health care provider about your screening options or call the Powassan & Area Family Health Team to make an appointment.
Links
Cancer Care Ontario - Colorectal Cancer Screening