ScreeningGuide.ca
Understand your health screening options in Ontario.
A clear guide to cancer and preventive health screening in Ontario: who each test is for, what it involves, how often it is done, and how to access screening — with or without a family doctor.
Screening is for people without symptoms. If you have new or concerning symptoms, see a healthcare provider rather than waiting for a screening test. Why this matters
Screening guide
Which screening may apply to me?
Five quick questions give you a personalized overview. Add optional health history for a more precise result.
Browse by topic
Screening in Ontario
Each topic page explains who the routine guidance is for, who needs a different pathway, what the test involves, and how to access it.
- Cancer screeningBreast screeningAges 50–74; ages 40–49 by informed choiceEvery 2 yearsMammogram
- Cancer screeningCervical screeningFrom age 25 with a cervix, if ever sexually active; stopping depends on history, usually by 69 or 74Usually every 5 years after a negative provider-collected HPV result; 3 years if the immunocompromised criteria applyHPV test (has replaced the Pap test)
- Cancer screeningColorectal screeningAges 45–74 at average riskEvery 2 yearsFIT (home stool test)
- Cancer screeningLung screeningAges 55–80 who smoked tobacco daily for 20+ years in totalYearly, if eligible after a risk assessmentLow-dose CT scan
- Cancer screeningProstate cancer & PSAPeople with a prostate; a discussion from about 50 (45 if higher risk)Individual decision — no organized programPSA blood test
- Other preventive healthAAA screeningAge 65 and olderOnce for most people, between 65 and 80Abdominal ultrasound
- Other preventive healthBone health & osteoporosisAssessment depends on age, fracture history and other risk factorsIndividualized fracture-risk assessmentRisk assessment; DXA scan when indicated
- AccessNo family doctor?Self-referral, Health811 and program contactsHow to find a family doctor
Quick reference
Screening at a glance
For people at average risk without symptoms. Personal history, family history, previous results and other risk factors may change these recommendations — the topic pages and the screening guide above cover those situations.
| Topic | Who it is for | How often | Test | How to access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast screening | Ages 50–74; ages 40–49 by informed choice | Every 2 years | Mammogram | Self-refer to the Ontario Breast Screening Program: 1-800-668-9304 |
| Cervical screening | From age 25 with a cervix, if ever sexually active; stopping depends on history, usually by 69 or 74 | Usually every 5 years after a negative provider-collected HPV result; 3 years if the immunocompromised criteria apply | HPV test (has replaced the Pap test) | Family doctor, nurse practitioner or clinic; Health811 can help you find one |
| Colorectal screening | Ages 45–74 at average risk | Every 2 years | FIT (home stool test) | Family doctor or NP; or call Health811 (811) for a FIT kit if you have no provider |
| Lung screening | Ages 55–80 who smoked tobacco daily for 20+ years in total | Yearly, if eligible after a risk assessment | Low-dose CT scan | Referral, or contact a program location directly |
| Prostate cancer & PSA | People with a prostate; a discussion from about 50 (45 if higher risk) | Individual decision — no organized program | PSA blood test | Discuss with your family doctor or NP |
| AAA screening | Age 65 and older | Once for most people, between 65 and 80 | Abdominal ultrasound | Requisition from a doctor or NP |
| Bone health & osteoporosis | Assessment depends on age, fracture history and other risk factors | Individualized fracture-risk assessment | Risk assessment; DXA scan when indicated | Discuss with your family doctor or NP |
PSA testing is cancer screening but an individual decision rather than an organized program. AAA screening is an organized provincial program. Bone health is an individualized fracture-risk assessment rather than routine screening.
Why it matters
Why screening matters
Screening looks for cancer or a serious condition in people who feel well, before symptoms appear. Found early, many conditions are simpler to treat and outcomes are better. Screening also has limits: no test finds everything, some results lead to follow-up that turns out to be unnecessary, and the balance of benefit and harm differs between programs and between people. That is why Ontario's guidance is specific about who each program is for, and why some decisions — such as PSA testing — are individual conversations rather than routine programs.
Getting screened
No family doctor? You can still access screening.
Several Ontario programs accept self-referral or provide access through Health811, and Health Care Connect can help you find a provider.
Colorectal — FIT kit through Health811
If you are 45–74 and at average risk, call Health811 at 811 to access a free FIT kit without a family doctor. Mention any family history — a different pathway may apply.
Breast — self-referral
People 40–74 who meet program criteria can book a mammogram directly through the Ontario Breast Screening Program at 1-800-668-9304. No referral needed.
Lung — contact a program location
If you are 55–80 and smoked tobacco daily for 20+ years, you can contact an Ontario Lung Screening Program location to ask about an assessment (1-866-662-9233 for locations). A clinician referral is needed before screening.
Cervical — find a clinic
Cervical screening (the HPV test, which replaced the Pap test) needs a provider-collected sample. Health811 (811) can help you find a clinic; walk-in, community health and sexual health clinics may offer it.
Official resources
Where this information comes from
- Ontario Ministry of Health — colon cancer testing and prevention
- Government of Ontario — cancer screening programs (breast, cervical, colorectal, lung)
- Ontario Health — Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program
- Health811 and Health Care Connect
Each topic page lists its own sources. Learn how content is developed on the About page.