5 screenings adults in Ontario shouldn’t skip
Updated for Ontario’s 2024–2026 screening changes: HPV testing, mammograms from 40, and colon screening from 45.
When it comes to your health, prevention is truly the best medicine. Catching potential issues early, before symptoms appear, can help you stay healthy, avoid complications and reduce the need for more intensive treatment later. At Royal Medical Centre, preventive care is a cornerstone of lifelong wellness. Here are five screenings every adult in Ontario should know about.
1. Cancer screenings
a. Cervical cancer (HPV test)
What changed: On March 3, 2025, Ontario replaced the Pap test with the HPV test for routine cervical screening. The HPV test looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus, the cause of almost all cervical cancers. It is more accurate than the Pap test at finding people at risk.
- Who: people with a cervix who are or have ever been sexually active
- When to start: age 25
- How often: every 5 years for most people with a normal result. Some people need more frequent testing, for example people who are immunocompromised or who have had abnormal results.
- When to stop: most people can stop between ages 65 and 69 if recent results have been normal.
If you had a normal Pap test recently, your doctor will let you know when your first HPV test is due.
b. Colorectal cancer (FIT or colonoscopy)
What changed: Since July 1, 2026, Ontario’s ColonCancerCheck program recommends screening for people at average risk starting at age 45 (previously 50).
- Average risk, ages 45 to 74: a FIT (fecal immunochemical test), a simple at-home stool test, every 2 years. Ask your family doctor for a FIT kit; you don’t need to wait for an invitation letter.
- Family history: if a parent, sibling or child has had colorectal cancer, you may need a colonoscopy instead, often starting at age 40 or earlier. If your only affected relative was diagnosed at age 60 or older, FIT every 2 years starting at 45 may be recommended instead.
Ask your doctor which test and schedule is right for you.
c. Breast cancer (mammogram)
What changed: Since October 8, 2024, people aged 40 to 74 in Ontario can book a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) without a doctor’s referral. Most people are screened every 2 years, and some higher-risk people are screened yearly.
- Book directly: call 1-800-668-9304 or contact any OBSP site.
- If you are 40 to 49, it’s a good idea to talk with your family doctor about the benefits and limitations of screening at your age.
- If you have a strong family history or other high-risk factors, ask us about the High Risk OBSP.
2. Blood pressure screening
Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure usually has no symptoms but can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, or more often if they have risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
3. Diabetes screening
Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly and often without symptoms. Adults aged 40 and older should be screened with a fasting glucose or A1c test every 3 years. Screening should start earlier, or happen more often, for people with risk factors such as family history, excess weight or certain ethnic backgrounds. Early detection allows lifestyle changes and treatment that can prevent complications like vision loss, nerve damage and heart disease. Our Registered Dietitian can help if you’ve been told you have prediabetes.
4. Lipid panel (cholesterol screening)
High cholesterol raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Screening typically begins at age 40, or earlier for people with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or a family history. A fasting or non-fasting lipid panel checks your “good” and “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides.
5. Bone mineral density (BMD test)
Osteoporosis is a silent condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk. Women over 65 and men over 70 should consider bone density testing. It may be needed earlier after a fragility fracture or with risk factors such as low body weight, smoking or long-term steroid use.
Bonus: immunization review
While not a screening test, reviewing your adult immunizations (such as shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, tetanus and flu) is an important part of preventive care. Your family doctor can tailor recommendations to your age, health and travel plans.
Quick reference (Ontario)
| Screening | Who | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical (HPV test) | Ages 25 to 65–69 | Every 5 years |
| Colorectal (FIT) | Ages 45–74, average risk | Every 2 years |
| Breast (mammogram) | Ages 40–74 (self-referral) | Usually every 2 years |
| Blood pressure | All adults | At least yearly |
| Diabetes (A1c / fasting glucose) | 40+, or earlier with risk factors | Every 3 years |
| Cholesterol | 40+, or earlier with risk factors | As advised by your doctor |
| Bone density | Women 65+, men 70+ | As advised by your doctor |
Final thoughts
Preventive screenings are quick, most are covered by OHIP, and they can save your life. If you’re not sure whether you’re up to date, book a visit with your family doctor or call 905-770-8480. Not a patient yet? We’re accepting new family medicine patients.
📅 Pro tip: schedule your annual check-up around your birthday so you never forget.
Sources
- Ontario.ca – Cervical cancer screening and prevention
- Ontario Health – New cervical screening test (2025)
- Ontario Health – Breast screening starting age lowered to 40
- Ontario.ca – Changes to colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening (July 2026)
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) – Colorectal cancer screening recommendations
- Health811 – free 24/7 health advice in Ontario
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from your own health care provider.
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