Preventive screening in Canada is guided by national evidence-based recommendations (historically from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, with a new national advisory committee now assuming guideline development) as well as provincial cancer screening programs. Recommendations may vary slightly by province and according to personal risk factors such as family history, smoking, or genetic conditions.
| Screening | Who Should Be Screened | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Adults ≥18 years | At regular healthcare visits |
| Type 2 diabetes | Adults at increased risk (using risk assessment such as CANRISK) | Every 3–5 years or as advised |
| Colorectal cancer | Adults aged 45–74 (Ontario) | FIT (fecal immunochemical test) every 2 years |
| Breast cancer | Women aged 40–74 | Mammogram every 2–3 years, beginning at age 40 |
| Cervical cancer | People with a cervix aged 25–69 | HPV test or Pap test every 3–5 years depending on provincial program |
| Lung cancer | Adults at high risk (heavy smokers/former smokers) | Annual low-dose CT if eligible |
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) | Men aged 65–80 who have ever smoked | One-time ultrasound |
| Osteoporosis | Women ≥65 years; younger adults at increased fracture risk | Bone mineral density testing based on fracture risk |
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but is a leading driver of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Hypertension Canada recommends routine checks at primary care visits to catch it early.
A lipid panel starting around age 40 (earlier with risk factors like diabetes or family history) helps estimate cardiovascular risk and guide statin therapy when appropriate.
Diabetes Canada recommends screening starting at age 40, or earlier with risk factors like obesity or family history, using a fasting glucose or A1c test.
Pap testing every 3 years is recommended for those aged 25–69 who are or have been sexually active; it's not routinely needed under 25, and those 70+ with adequate prior screening may be able to stop.
This clinic recommends mammography starting at age 40. National guidance is still evolving — discuss the right frequency and approach for you with Dr. Vasandani.
As of July 2026, Ontario lowered the ColonCancerCheck starting age to 45, with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every 2 years. Anyone with a family history or symptoms should be screened earlier, regardless of age.
Routine vaccines for most healthy adults: influenza (annually), COVID-19 (per provincial guidance), Tdap (every 10 years), shingles (from age 50), pneumococcal (65+, or earlier with risk factors), and RSV (older or high-risk adults).
Exact recommendations and public funding vary by province. Talk to Dr. Vasandani about which screenings and vaccines are right for you.
Screening guidelines evolve as new evidence emerges, and needs depend heavily on age, sex, and family history — so the most reliable approach is a personalized screening and immunization plan built with Dr. Vasandani, rather than relying solely on general public guidance.
This information is for general educational purposes and reflects publicly available guidance as of 2026. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.