Cancer Screening & Prevention
What is Cancer Screening?
Cancer screening is testing that looks for cancer. Screening helps doctors find cancer early when it is easier to treat or cure. Cancer screening should be done when you are healthy and have no symptoms.
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Why is Cancer Screening Important?
- There are often no early warning symptoms of cancer.
- Most people who develop cancer have no family history of the disease.
- Cancer is the most common cause of death in Durham Region.
- 40-45% of men and women in Canada will develop cancer during their lifetime.
- Your risk of developing cancer increases with age. The greatest risk is for those 50 years and over.
What is Cancer Care Ontario?
Cancer Care Ontario offers free screening programs for colon, breast and cervical cancer. These screening programs offer safe and reliable tests that can find cancer early.
- Finding cancer early through regular screening can help save your life.
Cancer Screening Guidelines
These are the recommended cancer screening guidelines from Cancer Care Ontario.
Colon Cancer Screening
- Men and women 50 years and over need to be screened for colon cancer. This includes a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every 2 years and/or a colonoscopy.
- Learn more about colon cancer screening.
Breast Cancer Screening
- Women 50 years and over need to be screened for breast cancer. This includes a mammogram every 2 years.
- Learn more about breast cancer screening.
Cervical Cancer Screening
- Women aged 21 to 69 who have ever been sexually active need to be screened for cervical cancer. This includes having regular Pap tests every 3 years.
- Learn more about cervical cancer screening.
Talk to your health care provider about these tests and your family history. You may need to be screened earlier or tested more often. |
Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Almost 50% of all cancers can be prevented. Take these steps to reduce your risk:- Get screened for cancer
- Be tobacco-free
- Avoid second-hand smoke
- Eat healthy
- Be active everyday
- Achieve or maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid alcohol
- Protect yourself from the sun
- Get immunized
- Practice safe sex
To Learn More
Visit:
Talk to:
- A health care provider
- A public health nurse at Durham Health Connection Line 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729
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