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Cancer screening and early detection
Early detection of cancer can increase the chances for the successful treatment of some conditions. Common screening tests include mammography for breast cancer, cytology (Pap smear) for cervical cancer and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. Look at our resources for the types of screening that you may want to discuss with your doctor.
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Educational interventions are effective in improving knowledge about cancer risk reduction among men
Patient Education and Counseling (2018) -
Automated telephone communication systems for preventive healthcare and management of long-term conditions
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016) -
Breast cancer: Risks and benefits, age 50-69
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareYour risk of dying from breast cancer is slightly reduced if you have regular screening. However, regular screening increases your chance of a false positive result, a biopsy and having part or all of a breast removed unnecessarily. -
Breast cancer: Patient algorithm
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareThe Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends women between 50 and 74 years old who are not at high risk get screened for breast cancer every 2 to 3 years. Talk to your doctor about screening options if you are at high risk or over 74 years old. -
Breast cancer: Patient FAQ
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareThis resource includes frequently asked questions about breast cancer, including: Who is considered high risk? What are the harms associated with mammography? and Why is routine screening NOT recommended for women 40-49 years? -
Breast cancer: Risks and benefits, age 70-74
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareYour chances of dying from breast cancer can be lowered by having regular screening. There are risks related to mammograms however, including false positives, unnecessary biopsies or surgery. -
Breast cancer Screening video
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareWomen ages 50-74 should have a mammogram every 2 to 3 years, if they are not at high risk of breast cancer. Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a mammogram if you are over age 75. -
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Screening for lung cancer: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults between the ages of 55-80 who have been heavy smokers in the past 15 years be screened for lung cancer every year. -
Patient education: Prostate cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationThe prostate-specific antigen test and rectal examinations are two forms of prostate cancer screening. Screening has both risks and benefits. Routine screening is not recommended for everyone. Speak with your health care provider about whether screening is a good option for you. -
What are the early signs of ovarian cancer and how do you detect them?
HealthLineSymptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal bloating or pain, difficulty eating, or more frequent trips to the washroom. Taking oral birth control pills, having breastfed or been pregnant, and some surgical procedures could lower your risk of ovarian cancer. -
Prostate cancer: Screening
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Men aged 55 to 69 years should discuss if they should get screened for prostate cancer with their doctor. Screening offers a small potential benefit, but also potential harms like an untrue positive test result. Men 70 and older should not get screened. -
Lung cancer - 1000-person tool
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareIf you are between 55 and 74 and are currently or used to be a smoker, you should consider getting tested for lung cancer. You should speak with your health care provider about getting tested using a low-dose CT scan once a year for three years. -
Routine ovarian cancer screening not beneficial
Our Bodies, OurselvesAnnual screening is not recommended for women at average risk for developing ovarian cancer, and may lead to false positive results. Instead, watch for physical changes like bloating or pelvic pain. Resource includes a short video. -
Screening for colorectal cancer
Canadian Cancer SocietyThe Canadian Cancer Society recommends men and women over age 50 have a stool test at least every 2 years to test for colorectal cancer. You are at a higher risk if you have had this cancer before, have inflammatory bowel disease or if you have a family history. -
Prostate Cancer Screening: Should I Have a PSA Test?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps men considering a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test decide on whether or not to have a test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Skin cancer screening is not backed by current research
JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association (2016) -
Prostate Cancer Screening with PSA Testing
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps primary care clinicians, urologists, adult men, their families decide on whether or not to get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Cytology versus HPV testing for cervical cancer screening in the general population.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017) -
Patient education: High-grade glioma in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationPrimary brain tumors are cancers that develop in the brain. Malignant gliomas (a type of brain tumor) cause symptoms like memory loss, headache and seizures. Treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Detailed information about gliomas in this resource. -
Screening for ovarian cancer: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Women who are not at risk for ovarian cancer should avoid ovarian screening. Ovarian screening can give false-positive results which can lead to unnecessary surgery. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and preferences before making a decision about cancer screening. -
Prostate cancer: Patient FAQ
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareThe Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care does not recommend men get screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test because the harms outweigh the benefits. The harms of screening include: false positives, over-diagnosis, infection, erectile dysfunction, urine leakage and biopsy complications. -
Prostate cancer - 1000-Person tool
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareThe Canadian Task Force on Prevent Health Care does not recommend men get screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test. The potential harms of screening and follow-up treatment do not outweigh the small benefits. -
Prostate cancer: Infographic
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareProstate cancer screening with a PSA test is not recommended because there are more potential harms than benefits. -
BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing.
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people considering genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 decide on whether or not to get tested by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Patient education: Hodgkin lymphoma in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer related to the lymphatic system. The most common symptom is a painless, swollen lymph node in the neck. Treatments include radiation and chemotherapy. -
Screening for colorectal cancer decreases the risk of cancer spread and dying of colorectal cancer
Clinical Colorectal Cancer (2016) -
Patient education: Genetic testing for hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationIf you have a family history or personal history with specific cancers, you may be at an increased risk of developing them. Consider genetic counseling and testing if you are at high risk. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine your risk level. -
Culturally customized cancer screening programs improve cancer screening rates
Cancer Epidemiology (2016) -
Cervical Cancer: Screening
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend that women over the age of 65 get screened for cervical cancer unless they are at high risk or have not been screened before. -
Pap test
Canadian Cancer SocietyPap tests every 1-3 years are recommended for women over the age of 21 who have been sexually active. Talk to your doctor about whether you need a pap test if you are over age 69 or have had a hysterectomy. Learn about preparing for a pap test, the risks and results in this resource. -
Bladder cancer diagnosis and staging
UpToDate - patient informationBlood in your urine and mid-back pain are common symptoms of bladder cancer. See your doctor to have your kidneys, bladder and urethra checked if you have any of these symptoms. -
Patient education: Breast cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationBreast cancer screening includes tests to find breast cancer at an early stage. The chance of dying from breast cancer has decreased over the past few years, partly because of screening. This resource reviews different types of screening, as well as how often to go. -
Cervical cancer: Patient algorithm
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareA Pap test screens for cervical cancer. It recommended that sexually active women 25-69 have one every 3 years. Screening is not recommended for those older than 70 if your last 3 Pap tests were negative. -
Cervical cancer: Patient FAQ
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareThis resource includes information about the Pap test and what an abnormal test result means. -
Benefits and risks of screening tests
Informed Health OnlineBe aware of the benefits and risks of screening tests. Talk to your doctor to find out what kind of screening is right for you. -
Skin exam
Canadian Cancer SocietySkins exams help detect signs of skin issues and cancer. They are usually done yearly or more often if you are at higher risk for skin cancer. Learn the ABCDE rule or the seven point checklist that doctors use to recognize the differences between normal moles and melanoma. -
Prostate cancer screening: Decisions for men with a family history of prostate cancer.
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps men, unaffected by prostate cancer, aged 40 to 79 years with a family history of the disease decide on whether or not to have a prostate cancer screening test (PSA) by outlining and comparing the two options. -
Understanding genetic tests for men who have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer: Information and decision aid.
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps men who are considering genetic testing because they have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer by outlining the options such as having a mutation search, predictive test, and deferring the decision. -
Understanding genetic tests for Lynch syndrome: Information and decision aid.
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people thinking about having genetic testing for Lynch syndrome decide on screening options. It outlines options such as doing a mutation search, predictive test, and deferring the decision and compares the benefits and side effects associated with each option. -
Understanding genetic tests for breast and ovarian cancer that runs in the family: Information and decision aid.
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps women who are considering genetic testing because they have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer by outlining the options such as having a mutation search, predictive test, and deferring the decision. -
Lung Cancer Screening Decision Support Tool.
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps primary care clinicians, pulmonologists, NPs, PAs with their patients decide whether or not to get CT screening for lung cancer by comparing the risks and benefits of both options. -
Prostate Cancer Screening: Making the Best Choice
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps men decide whether or not to get screening for prostate cancer by comparing the benefits and risks of both options. -
Which approach to breast cancer is right for you?
Our Bodies, OurselvesWomen with cancer can now opt for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). This option is for women with cancer who choose to remove their healthy breast. Details about the pros and cons of this approach in this resource. -
Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps men decide on whether or not to have a prostate cancer screening test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Breast Cancer Risk: Should I Have a BRCA Gene Test?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps women at higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer to decide on whether or not to have a breast cancer gene test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Breast Cancer Screening and Dense Breasts: What Are My Options?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps women with dense breasts considering options for breast cancer screening decide on whether to get a mammogram only or get an MRI or ultrasound with the mammogram by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps women with average risk for breast cancer to decide whether or not to start mammograms at age 40 or 50 by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Colon cancer: Which screening test should I have?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people 50 and older who have a normal risk for colon cancer to decide on which screening test to get. It compares the benefits, risks and side effects of the stool test, which can be done at home, to other procedures done at a hospital or clinic. -
Breast Screening Decisions
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps women aged 40-49 decide whether or not to have mammogram screening starting at age 40 or age 50, and yearly or every other year. -
Breast cysts
Mayo ClinicBreast cysts are common. Your doctor might recommend tests to make sure that the cysts are not cancerous. If the cysts are causing pain, try a well-fitting bra, warm or cool compresses, or over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Your doctor might recommend aspiration to empty the cysts. -
Uterine (endometrial) cancer
Patient.co.ukUterine cancer is most likely to occur in women between the ages of 75 and 79. If uterine cancer is found at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. Talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding past menopause, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex. -
Breast cancer guide to diagnosis and treatment
UpToDate - patient informationBreast cancer is the most common female cancer in the US. The death rate has declined, partly due to increased screening and improved treatment. When found and treated early it is often curable. This website gives information about diagnosing and treating breast cancer. -
Bowel Cancer Screening
Patient.co.ukScreening with tests such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat. Details about these tests in this resource. -
Lung cancer screening
Mayo ClinicIf you are a long-time smoker, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening. Lung cancer is more likely to be cured if found in its early stages. -
Breast cancer screening
Health Link B.C.If you are between 50 and 74 years of age, you should have regular mammograms to test for breast cancer every 2-3 years. If you are over the age of 75, talk to your doctor before going for breast cancer screening. -
Breast cancer screening: When should I start having mammograms?
Health Link B.C.Use this decision aid to help understand your choices about breast cancer screening, including the risks and benefits of mammograms. -
Breast pain
Mayo ClinicBreast pain affects many women and is often caused by hormone changes. Breast pain is unlikely a sign of breast cancer. Choose a well-fitting bra, try hot or cold compresses, relaxation and pain relievers. Speak to your doctor if the pain persists or gets worse over time. -
Detecting non-melanoma skin cancer
Informed Health OnlineSkin changes are a normal part of aging. Regularly check your skin for any changes. See your doctor if you notice a change or wound that doesn't go away within 4 weeks. -
Decision aids improve knowledge in people making decisions about cancer screening or early cancer treatment
AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews (2014) -
Stomach (gastric) cancer
Patient.co.ukTreatment can often slow the progress of stomach cancer, and the earlier it is diagnosed, the better. Discuss treatment options with a specialist who knows your case. -
Screening: What might help you decide
Informed Health OnlineScreening tests are more useful if the disease is serious, if the test is reliable, if the test is not harmful and if the disease has better treatment options when detected early. Screening is not a diagnosis and can sometimes lead to a false alarm. This resource includes questions to ask your doctor. -
Do you need a colonoscopy?
Berkeley WellnessIt is recommended that you get screened for colorectal cancer if you are 50 to 75 years old. Different types of screening tests include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), or fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Review this resource and talk to your doctor to discuss which test is right for you. -
Screening for cervical cancer
Canadian Cancer SocietyCervical cancer screening is used to find cervical cancer prior to symptom development. Early detection helps increase the chance of treatment being successful. -
Screening for Breast Cancer
Cancer Care OntarioFinding breast cancer early means a better chance for successful treatment and the cancer is less likely to spread. Mammograms are used as a breast cancer screening tool. -
Evidence-based insights on 3 types of cancer screening
Do you have questions around cancer screening? See what the research has to say about screening for prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Sneak peek: the answers are not always so cut-and-dry. -
Screening for breast cancer: What you should know about mammography
Do you have questions about mammography? See what the evidence says about this form of breast cancer screening for women with an average risk for breast cancer. -
To screen or not to screen? What role do web-based decision aids play in decision making around prostate cancer screening?
Are you in the process of making a decision about prostate cancer screening, or at the very least starting to think about it? See what the research has to say about the use of web-based decision aids during this time. -
Screening for ovarian cancer: What you should know
Ovarian cancer screening continues to not be recommended for women with no symptoms and at average risk of the disease. -
No one left out: Breaking down cultural barriers to support healthy aging
Not everyone has the same opportunity to access health promotion programs that can save lives and prevent serious illness. Culturally customized materials and approaches can help. -
Screening for prostate cancer: What you should know about the PSA test
The PSA test is an option for men thinking about being screened for prostate cancer but the harms may outweigh the benefits.
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