Cancer Screening

When to start for average risk people: Age 50

What’s the test: Mammogram

How often: Every 2 years

Starting at age 50, most women should have a mammogram every two years. This includes trans women who have been taking hormone therapy for 5 years or more at some time in their life.

Trans men or people who are non-binary are also eligible for screening and should talk to a healthcare provider about getting the test. If you’ve had top surgery that removed all the breast tissue, you don’t need screening anymore. Talk to your provider to see if this applies to you.

Mammograms are covered for refugee claimants by Interim Federal Health (IFH) and are also covered by OHIP.

People with certain genetics or a close family member who had breast cancer are higher risk and may need earlier or more frequent screenings. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about higher-risk screening and see if that applies to you.

When to start for average risk people: Age 25 and has ever been sexually active

What’s the test: Pap Test

How often: every 3 years

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the part of the uterus connecting the uterus to the vagina). Anyone with a cervix who has ever been sexually active can get cervical cancer. Pap tests look for early signs of cervical cancer before you feel any symptoms. Most cases of cervical cancer are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

People born with a cervix who had a “total” hysterectomy can stop PAP tests, but some hysterectomies don’t remove the cervix. If that’s you, you likely still require cervical cancer screening. Talk to your healthcare provider to figure out the best recommendation for you.

PAP tests are covered for refugee claimants by Interim Federal Health (IFH) and are also covered by OHIP.

People who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) are at higher risk for cervical cancer and may need earlier and more frequent screenings. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about higher-risk screening and see if that applies to you.

When to start for average risk people: Age 50

What’s the test: FIT Test

How often: every 2 years

Colon cancer is cancer in the large intestine (also known as the bowel). Colon cancer screening can find cancer early. When colorectal cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people can be cured. That’s 90% of people! If you have colorectal cancer and do not get screened, you may miss the chance for early and more effective treatment.

For most people, screening is done with a FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test). The FIT kit arrives in the mail and can be done at home. If you don’t have an address, the FIT kit can be mailed to Sherbourne Health and held at the clinic until you are ready to pick it up. You can even do it onsite with us. Talk to your healthcare team for more information about the FIT.

Currently, the FIT is covered by OHIP, but it is not covered by Interim Federal Health (IFH). Please speak to your healthcare provider about what other tests are covered by IFH.

People with a close family member (parent, child, sibling) who had colon cancer are at higher risk and may require earlier or different screening. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about higher-risk screening and see if that applies to you.