Screening Guidelines

Cancer Screening & Early Detection

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Ontario.

Cancer screening and early detection are important tools to help identify some types of cancer early enough so treatments can be more effective.

There are currently screening tools for these cancers:

• Skin
• Colorectal
• Breast
• Cervical
• Testicular
• Prostate

While screening tests (such as mammograms, pap tests and colonoscopies) are carried out by health professionals, early detection is something that individuals can do for themselves.

Looking for and reporting any changes in your body, helps you to take responsibility for your health.  It is very important that if you notice any changes in your health to report them to your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Region of Waterloo Public Health works with the community to prevent and detect the early occurrence of breast, cervical and skin cancer.

Cancer Screening Guidelines

Men and Women

Discuss colorectal cancer screening with your doctor. Also, see the Screening information or visit the Canadian Cancer Society for more information.

Check your skin regularly and discuss any changes with your doctor or nurse practitioner.

For more information on what you should look for, visit the Canadian Cancer Society's website on Screening for Melanoma and Non-melanoma skin cancers.

Women

Have a regular Pap test every one to two years; discuss how often with your doctor or nurse practitioner. See the Canadian Cancer Society's page on Screening for Cervical Cancer to find more detailed information.

Have a yearly clinical breast exam by a doctor or a trained nurse.

Have a mammogram every two years if you are 50 or older or sooner if there is a family history. Detailed information on Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection can be found through the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more information on cancer screening and other health issues, check the following information sheets:

Health Checklist for Women 50 and Over

Women's Health Resource List

Men

Discuss prostate and testicular screening with your doctor or nurse practitioner. For detailed information on both Testicular cancer, early detection and screening visit the Canadian Cancer Society website.

Click here to download a copy of the pamphlet, Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Information in Waterloo Region.