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Getting screened in Ontario
Most screening is arranged through a family doctor or nurse practitioner. If you do not have one, several programs accept self-referral or offer access through Health811, and Health Care Connect can help you find a provider.
Access routes by program
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.
AAA — ask for a requisition
People 65 and older can ask any doctor or nurse practitioner for an abdominal ultrasound requisition. Health811 or Health Care Connect can help you navigate access if you have no provider.
Find a family doctor or nurse practitioner
Register for Health Care Connect online or by calling 811 (TTY 711). The service helps find a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team; joining does not guarantee an immediate match.
PSA discussions and bone-health assessment
A doctor or nurse practitioner can help you weigh PSA testing or assess fracture risk and whether a bone-density scan would help. Without a regular provider, ask a local clinic or Health811 about access. Services and follow-up capacity vary; assessment does not guarantee a test or OHIP coverage.
If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner
Ask at your next visit which screening is due for you. Your provider can order a FIT kit, refer you for a mammogram or colonoscopy, collect a cervical screening sample, refer you to the Ontario Lung Screening Program, and write an abdominal ultrasound requisition. Ontario also mails invitation and reminder letters for several programs.
Health811
Health811 (811; TTY 711) is Ontario's free, 24-hour health advice and navigation line. Nurses can help you decide where to go for care, and navigators can help you find services. Health811 can arrange a FIT kit for eligible people without a provider, but it does not perform tests or book colonoscopies.
Symptoms are different from screening. If you have new or concerning symptoms, do not wait for a screening route. Severe or life-threatening symptoms: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Otherwise see a healthcare provider, a walk-in or urgent care clinic, or call Health811 for advice on where to go.
No regular provider and no OHIP coverage are different
Health Care Connect registration requires a valid Ontario health card. If you do not have OHIP coverage or your card has expired, ask Health811 or a local community health centre about services for your situation. Eligibility, fees and available services vary. This does not guarantee free access to every screening test.
Official access resources
- Find a family doctor or nurse practitioner: Health Care Connect — Ontario Ministry of Health
- Health advice and help finding services — Health811
- How to access colorectal screening — Ontario Health / Cancer Care Ontario
- How to access breast screening — Ontario Health / Cancer Care Ontario
- Lung screening assessment and referral — Ontario Health / Cancer Care Ontario
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