Screening
Breast cancer
Who to screen
Women ages 40-74 at average or moderately increased risk. Not for symptoms or high-risk genetic history.
Test
Screening mammography
Interval / stop
If screened, every 2-3 years. Not routine after age 74.
Screening
Screening & prevention
Preventive care reminders, eligibility checks, and follow-up timelines.
Last reviewed 2026-01-04|Canada-specific summary
Scope & how to use
These summaries apply to average-risk, asymptomatic adults. Use provincial program workflows, and switch to diagnostic pathways for symptoms, high-risk family history, or genetic syndromes.
Use shared decision-making for preference-sensitive screenings and document recall intervals.
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Looking for immunizations or Choosing Wisely? Jump to Resources below.
Cancer screening (average risk)
Screening
Cervical cancer
Who to screen
People with a cervix who are or have been sexually active, ages 25-69.
Test
Pap cytology (or provincial HPV program)
Interval / stop
Every 3 years. Stop at 70 if 3 negative tests in last 10 years.
Screening
Colorectal cancer
Who to screen
Adults ages 50-74 at average risk. Excludes IBD, polyps, CRC history, or first-degree relative.
Test
FIT or gFOBT; flexible sigmoidoscopy
Interval / stop
FIT/gFOBT every 2 years or flex sigmoidoscopy every 10 years. Do not use colonoscopy for screening.
Screening
Lung cancer
Who to screen
Adults ages 55-74 with 30+ pack-years, current smoking or quit <15 years.
Test
Low-dose CT in organized program
Interval / stop
Annual LDCT for up to 3 consecutive years. Do not use chest X-ray.
| Screening | Who to screen | Test | Interval / stop | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast cancer | Women ages 40-74 at average or moderately increased risk. Not for symptoms or high-risk genetic history. | Screening mammography | If screened, every 2-3 years. Not routine after age 74. | Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Breast cancer draft recommendations (2024) |
| Cervical cancer | People with a cervix who are or have been sexually active, ages 25-69. | Pap cytology (or provincial HPV program) | Every 3 years. Stop at 70 if 3 negative tests in last 10 years. | Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Cervical cancer screening |
| Colorectal cancer | Adults ages 50-74 at average risk. Excludes IBD, polyps, CRC history, or first-degree relative. | FIT or gFOBT; flexible sigmoidoscopy | FIT/gFOBT every 2 years or flex sigmoidoscopy every 10 years. Do not use colonoscopy for screening. | Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Colorectal cancer screening |
| Lung cancer | Adults ages 55-74 with 30+ pack-years, current smoking or quit <15 years. | Low-dose CT in organized program | Annual LDCT for up to 3 consecutive years. Do not use chest X-ray. | Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Lung cancer screening |
Other screening (risk-based)
Screening
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Who to screen
Men ages 65-80. Not recommended for women or men over 80.
Test
Abdominal ultrasound
Interval / stop
One-time screening.
Screening
Type 2 diabetes
Who to screen
Adults with high or very high risk using validated tools (FINDRISC or CANRISK).
Test
A1C preferred (FPG/OGTT acceptable).
Interval / stop
High risk: every 3-5 years. Very high risk: annually.
| Screening | Who to screen | Test | Interval / stop | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm | Men ages 65-80. Not recommended for women or men over 80. | Abdominal ultrasound | One-time screening. | Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| Type 2 diabetes | Adults with high or very high risk using validated tools (FINDRISC or CANRISK). | A1C preferred (FPG/OGTT acceptable). | High risk: every 3-5 years. Very high risk: annually. | Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Type 2 diabetes screening |
References
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Breast cancer draft recommendations (2024)
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Cervical cancer screening
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Colorectal cancer screening
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Lung cancer screening
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Type 2 diabetes screening
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Related resources
Use the filters above to narrow the list by topic or audience.
Key resources
Immunization guidance and Choosing Wisely recommendations.
ScreeningLast reviewed 2026-01-04
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Adult and pregnancy immunization highlights with Canadian references.
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Family medicine recommendations to reduce low-value care.
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Screening topics
Open full one-page guides for eligibility, testing, and follow-up.
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Breast cancer screening
Who to screen, mammography interval, and shared decision points.
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Cervical cancer screening
Eligibility, intervals, stopping criteria, and follow-up reminders.
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Colorectal cancer screening
Average-risk eligibility, tests, intervals, and follow-up reminders.
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Lung cancer screening
Eligibility criteria and referral steps for low-dose CT screening.
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
One-time ultrasound eligibility and follow-up reminders.
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Type 2 diabetes screening
Risk-based screening intervals using validated tools.
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