PREVENTATIVE HEALTH & SCREENING

 Flu shots are recommended for all patients ages 6 months and older. Flu shots are available in Ontario free of charge during the flu season (October to March). 

 The Ontario Ministry of Health and Longterm Care recently replaced annual check-ups with periodic health reviews. These reviews will be done at regular intervals, but may not necessarily require a yearly visit.

Please note that routine physical exams are being postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 WWW.MYCANCERIQ.CA

Cancer Care Ontario has produced an interactive website to determine your cancer risk for several common cancers (breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer and melanoma). After answering several short questions, you will be given your risk score and ways to help you reduce your cancer risk. You can save or print your risk assessment and discuss with your physician at your next appointment.

 The Ontario Ministry of Health and Longterm Care has established the ColonCancerCheck program as a population-based, organized colorectal cancer screening program. 

The ColonCancerCheck program recommends screening for colorectal cancer with a FIT kit every two years between the ages of 50 and 74 for patients at average risk for colorectal cancer. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer in a first degree relative (parent, sibling or child) or a positive FIT, the program recommends a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

Talk to your doctor about the right screening test for you.

Information about the ColonCancerCheck Program is available at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/coloncancercheck/program.aspx

 The best way to screen for cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes of the cervix is through regular Pap tests. All women who have ever had any sexual skin-to-skin contact need to have regular Pap tests starting at age 21. This includes intercourse, intimate touching or oral sexual contact.

You should have a Pap test every three years. If you are found to have an abnormal result, the nature and frequency of your cervical cancer screening will change.

Pap tests can stop at the age of 70 if you have had at least three or more normal tests in the past 10 years. The risk of getting cancer of the cervix does not go down as you get older. If you have had a hysterectomy, talk to your family physician to see if you still need a Pap test. 

More information about cervical cancer screening and pap testing is available at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/cervicalcancer/

 Evidence shows that regular mammograms are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a program administered by Cancer Care Ontario that provides mammography screening for women aged 50 years and older who are at average risk of developing breast cancer, and aged 30-69 years who have been found to be at high risk for developing breast cancer. 

More information about OBSP can be found at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/breastcancer/