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
Colorectal 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
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/colorectal
Breast Cancer Screening
First established in 1990, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) provides high quality breast cancer screening services to women living in Ontario. It is operated by Cancer Care Ontario and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
The OBSP currently accepts women who fall into the following two categories:
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Persons at average risk of developing breast cancer, age 50 and over. Evidence shows that regular mammograms for people who are at average risk and 50 years or older, are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Average risk means you have no other risk factors simply than being a woman and being older (i.e. 50 and over).
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Persons at high risk of developing breast cancer, age 30 to 69. As of July 1 2011, people in Ontario aged 30 to 69 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors or a personal or family history suggestive of hereditary breast cancer can receive an annual breast screening MRI and mammogram through the OBSP.
How to Get a Mammogram:
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All physicians in our Family Health Team are members of the OBSP
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When you go for your first mammogram, you will automatically be entered as part of the OBSP. You will receive reminder letters for your screening from the program, and copies of your test results are sent to your family doctor to review.
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People aged 50 and over who are at average risk may refer themselves to the OBSP. To self-refer, please call an OBSP site directly to make an appointment.
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People between the ages of 30 to 69 who are at high risk will need a referral from their doctor or nurse practitioner to be screened at an OBSP centre.
Appointment Information
If you are between the ages of 50 and 74 in our Family Health Team, you are already a participant of the OBSP. Letters will be sent to you by the OBSP indicating how and where to book your appointment. After your appointment, follow up letters will be sent to your home indicating the time interval for your next screening date. Your family doctor will review all results, and a call will be given if any follow up is needed.
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https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/screening?redirect=true
Cervical Cancer Screening
Overview
The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening). Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The goal of cervical screening is to find cell changes in the cervix before they become cancer.
Regular screening is an essential defense against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening can detect early cell changes on the cervix caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. These changes seldom cause any symptoms, but can progress to cancer if not found and treated. Screening is the only way to detect changes that might lead to cancer (Ontario Ministry of Health).
When to Get Screened
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.
You can stop regular screening with Pap tests at the age of 70 if you have had 3 or more normal tests in the previous 10 years.
Please use the following link to book a PAP appointment with one of our WMC Family Practice Nurses. Please ensure to have your Health Card Ready:
