06/11/2026
We're sharing this important message from Erie St. Clair Cancer Programs about the importance of cancer screening and equitable access to care.
Cancer screening can help find cancer early, often before symptoms begin, when treatment is most effective. Learn more about breast and cervical cancer screening recommendations, available supports, and how to access screening services in our region.
Screening is care. Taking that step—when you're ready—is care.
Cancer screening is one way we take care of ourselves, our families, and our communities—but we know access hasn’t always been equal.
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities continue to experience higher rates of some cancers, including cervical cancer, and often face barriers that can delay screening and diagnosis. That’s why making screening easier, safer, and culturally supportive matters.
Breast screening (mammograms) is available through the Ontario Breast Screening Program for people ages 40–74, and you can book directly without a doctor’s referral. Most people should be screened every two years. Cervical screening now uses HPV testing as the primary test in Ontario and is recommended for anyone with a cervix who is 25 or older and has ever been sexually active. If results are normal, screening is usually only needed every five years.
Screening matters because it can find cancer early—often before symptoms begin—when treatment is most effective. If you’re ready to take that step, you can book a mammogram through an OBSP site, connect with your primary care provider for cervical screening, or call Health811 for help finding services near you.
Screening is care. Knowing your body is care. Taking that step—when you’re ready—is care.
