Stay Healthy with Preventive Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives

At the North Shore Family Health Team, we believe that one of the best ways to stay healthy is through preventive screening. Many serious health conditions, including several types of cancer and osteoporosis, can develop without causing symptoms in their early stages. Screening tests can help detect these conditions early - or even identify changes before disease develops - when treatment is often simpler and more successful.

Taking time to complete recommended screening tests is one of the most important investments you can make in your long-term health.

Why Is Screening Important?

Screening is designed for people who feel well and do not have symptoms. It helps identify disease at an early stage, when treatment is often more effective and outcomes are better.

Preventive screening can:

• Detect cancer before symptoms develop.

• Identify precancerous changes that can be treated before cancer occurs.

• Improve treatment options and outcomes.

• Reduce the risk of serious illness and complications.

• Help you live a longer, healthier life.

If you have received a reminder letter from our clinic, you may be due—or overdue—for one or more recommended screening tests.

Cervical Cancer Screening (HPV Testing)

Cervical cancer screening is now completed using Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing. HPV is a common virus, and certain types can cause changes to the cells of the cervix over time. Detecting these changes early helps prevent cervical cancer from developing.

People who have a cervix, have ever been sexually active, and are 25 to 69 years of age should have cervical screening every 5 years if their results are normal.

HPV testing is available at the North Shore Family Health Team through your physician or nurse practitioner, or through the Screen for Life Coach when it visits our community.

Colorectal Cancer Screening (FIT Test)

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when found early.

The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a simple, non-invasive screening test that checks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This blood may be an early sign of polyps or colorectal cancer.

Most adults at average risk between the ages of 45 and 74 should complete a FIT every two years if their results are normal.

FIT kits can be ordered through our clinic and mailed directly to your home. The test is completed in the privacy of your own home and includes easy-to-follow instructions.

If you have previously had a colonoscopy, a history of colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or a family history of colorectal cancer, your screening recommendations may be different. Please speak with your healthcare provider.

Important: FIT testing is intended for people without symptoms. If you notice blood in your stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing abdominal pain, contact your healthcare provider promptly rather than completing a FIT test.

Breast Cancer Screening (Mammograms)

Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms develop or a lump can be felt.

Most people between 50 and 74 years of age should have a mammogram every 2 years if their results are normal.

People 40 to 49 years of age may also choose to self-refer through the Ontario Breast Screening Program after learning about the benefits and possible risks of screening.

Early detection greatly improves treatment options and outcomes.

Lung Cancer Screening (Low-Dose CT Scan)

Lung cancer screening may be recommended for people 55 to 80 years of age who currently smoke or have smoked in the past and meet Ontario Health eligibility criteria.

A low-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is often more successful.

If you currently smoke or have smoked in the past, speak with your healthcare provider to find out if lung cancer screening is appropriate for you.

Osteoporosis Screening (Bone Density Test)

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weaker and more likely to break. Because bone loss often occurs without symptoms, many people do not know they have osteoporosis until they experience a fracture.

Bone density testing helps detect osteoporosis early and allows treatment to reduce the risk of future fractures.

Screening is commonly recommended beginning around 65 years of age, although some people may benefit from earlier testing based on individual risk factors, such as previous fractures, long-term steroid use, certain medical conditions, or a family history of osteoporosis.

Your healthcare provider can determine whether bone density testing is right for you.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a weakening and enlargement of the body's largest artery (the aorta) as it passes through the abdomen. Most AAAs develop slowly and do not cause symptoms. If an aneurysm becomes very large or ruptures, it can become a life-threatening medical emergency.

AAA screening is performed with a simple abdominal ultrasound. The test is painless, does not involve radiation, and usually takes less than 30 minutes.

At the North Shore Family Health Team, we encourage patients 65 years of age and older to discuss AAA screening with their healthcare provider. As part of our preventive health program, eligible patients may receive a reminder letter inviting them to consider screening.

You may be at increased risk of developing an AAA if you:

• Have ever smoked

• Have high blood pressure

• Have high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease

• Have a parent, brother, or sister with an abdominal aortic aneurysm

• Are male

• Have a history of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Your healthcare provider will review your personal risk factors and determine whether a one-time abdominal ultrasound is appropriate for you.

Like many preventive screening tests, AAA screening aims to detect a condition before symptoms develop, allowing treatment or monitoring before it becomes a serious health concern.

Screen for Life Coach

The Screen for Life Coach is a mobile cancer screening service that brings screening closer to home for people living in Northwestern Ontario.

The coach offers:

• Cervical cancer screening (HPV testing)

• Breast cancer screening (mammograms)

• Information about colorectal cancer screening and FIT kits

To book an appointment, call (807) 684-7777.

Screening Is Not for Symptoms

Routine screening is intended for people who feel well.

If you develop symptoms such as:

• A new breast lump

• Blood in your stool

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• A persistent cough or coughing up blood

• Unexplained weight loss

• Any other concerning symptoms

please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Symptoms should be assessed promptly and should not wait for routine screening.

We're Here to Help

If you are unsure which screening tests are right for you, our healthcare team is happy to help.

If you have received a screening reminder or would like to book an appointment, request a FIT kit, or discuss your eligibility for screening, please contact the North Shore Family Health Team.

For questions about preventive screening, you may also contact:

Lisa Tymko, RPN

North Shore Family Health Team

Phone: 807-825-3235

Prevention Starts with Screening

Many cancers and other serious health conditions can be prevented or successfully treated when detected early. Staying up to date with recommended screening tests is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health and the health of those you love.

Take the time to schedule your screening today—your future self will thank you.