Your guide to routine health checks in Ontario — including what to do if you don't have a family doctor.
Designed for average-risk, asymptomatic people. Based on Ontario screening program guidance. Symptoms always require prompt medical assessment — do not wait for routine screening.
Medical Emergency? If you are experiencing life-threatening or worrisome symptoms, call 911 immediately and go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Do not wait for routine screening.
Answer a few quick questions to see which Ontario screening programs may apply to you. This is a general guide — always discuss your personal history with a clinician.
Most screening programs cover adults between the ages of 25 and 80.
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Routine screening can identify health concerns before symptoms develop — when intervention is often simpler and outcomes are better.
Mammogram screening may help to detect changes before they can be felt. Early detection of breast cancer can lead to improved treatment outcomes, a higher survival rate, and possibly less intensive treatment.
Cervical cancer is preventable in many cases. Formerly known as PAP testing, HPV testing helps to identify high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) associated with cervical cancer. HPV testing allows for early detection of abnormal cell changes, and can help to prevent cancer before it develops.
Polyps and early cancers of the colon can bleed silently, without any symptoms. A FIT kit allows you to take a small stool sample in the privacy and comfort of your own home to check for hidden blood, helping to detect colon cancer earlier.
Smoking is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer. Low-dose CT screening is an important test offered to help find lung cancer at an earlier stage. Early detection may help treatment to work better.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a silent, life-threatening bulge in the body's main blood vessel, the aorta. This relatively quick, radiation-free scan of the abdomen can help detect this bulge early, before it becomes a medical emergency.
These programs are designed for people without symptoms. If you notice something new or concerning, please see a clinician promptly — do not wait for a routine screening appointment.
Many Ontario screening programs allow self-referral or can be accessed through Health811, walk-in clinics, and community health centres.
No family doctor? If you are between the ages of 50 and 74 and are at average risk, call Health811 to ask about having a FIT kit mailed directly to your home.
Call 811 1-866-797-0007If you are between the ages of 40 and 74, you may self-refer for a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program — no doctor's referral is required.
1-800-668-9304 Ontario Breast Screening ProgramIf you are between the ages of 55 and 80 and have a history of smoking cigarettes daily for at least 20 years, you may contact an Ontario Lung Screening Program site directly to ask about an eligibility assessment.
Find OLSP LocationsCervical HPV testing generally requires a clinician-collected sample. If you do not have a family doctor, Health811, walk-in clinics, community health centres, and sexual health clinics may be able to assist.
Health811: 811If you are age 65 or older, ask a walk-in clinic physician or Health811 about a referral for a one-time abdominal ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Health811: 811Ontario's Health Care Connect program can help match you with a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in your area.
Health Care Connect 1-800-445-1822For average-risk, asymptomatic Ontarians. Your personal history, family history, and prior results may change these recommendations.
| Screening | Who | How Often | Test | How to Access | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast | Average-risk people eligible for breast screening, ages 40–74 | Every 2 years | Mammogram | Self-refer to Ontario Breast Screening Program 1-800-668-9304 |
Higher-risk individuals may require different or earlier screening. |
| Cervical | People eligible for cervical screening, age 25+, ever sexually active; routine ages 25–69 | Usually every 5 years | HPV cervical screening test | Primary care, sexual health or community clinics depending on region | Some individuals continue until age 74 if not adequately screened between 65–69. Follow-up depends on HPV result and history. |
| Colon | Average-risk adults ages 50–74 | Every 2 years | FIT kit | Family doctor/NP, or Health811 if no doctor 811 |
Colonoscopy is used for positive FIT results or higher-risk patients — not average-risk first-line screening. |
| Lung | Ages 55–80, OHIP coverage, history of smoking cigarettes daily for at least 20 years | Based on OLSP risk assessment | Low-dose CT | Referral or direct contact with Ontario Lung Screening Program site | Not everyone meeting referral criteria will qualify. Symptoms require diagnostic assessment, not screening. |
| AAA | Age 65+; Ontario pathway includes ages 65–80 | One-time | Abdominal ultrasound | Ask clinician for referral or contact Health811 811 |
Especially important with a smoking history, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or family history of aneurysm. |
Breast Screening
Cervical Screening
Colon Screening
Lung Screening
Smoking history matters even if you quit years ago. Many Ontario screening programs take your full lifetime history into account.
Have you smoked cigarettes every day for at least 20 years total?
The 20 years do not need to be consecutive.
The Ontario Lung Screening Program uses a clinical risk assessment to determine eligibility.
Qualifying for an assessment does not guarantee that screening will be recommended — the clinical team evaluates your full health picture.
Eligibility also requires valid OHIP coverage and age between 55 and 80.
Find OLSP Locations
Smoking significantly increases the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
If you are age 65 or older, ask your clinician, a walk-in clinic physician, or Health811 about a referral for a one-time AAA ultrasound.
Thinking about quitting?
Ontario's Smokers' Helpline can help. Call 1-877-513-5333 or visit smokershelpline.ca.
For the most up-to-date information on health screening in Ontario, please visit the appropriate local health authority websites below. All links open in a new tab.
Health811
Ontario's 24/7 health advice line. Call anytime to speak with a registered nurse, ask about FIT kits, or get help navigating screening access without a doctor.
ontario.ca/health811Cancer Care Ontario / Ontario Health
Ontario's cancer screening program guidelines, including breast, cervical, colon, and lung screening information and program details.
cancercareontario.caMyCancerIQ
A personalized cancer risk assessment tool from Cancer Care Ontario that provides tailored recommendations based on your health history.
mycanceriq.caOntario Lung Screening Program
Find Ontario Lung Screening Program (OLSP) locations and learn about eligibility criteria for low-dose CT lung cancer screening.
cancercareontario.caOntario AAA Program
Information about the Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening program, eligibility, and how to access this service.
ontariohealth.caHealth Care Connect
Ontario's program to match unattached patients with a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in their area.
ontario.caYou can get eligible screening tests even if you do not have a family doctor. Health811, walk-in clinics, community health centres, and self-referral programs can help connect you to the right screenings.
Interpretation services, accessible formats, and assistance with booking are available through many Ontario health services. You are entitled to ask for the support you need when accessing care.