Cancer Screening Program
Overview
Our Cancer Screening program uses data from the Screening Activity Report of Queen Square Doctors physicians (provided by the province) to identify patients who are eligible for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening based on the guidelines set by Cancer Care Ontario. Our interdisciplinary team aims to provide patient education, streamline screening appointments and procedures, and analyze the progress and efficiency of this program.
Requirements
Rostered patients of Queen Square Doctors who are part of this program
Provider
Nursing Team, Admin Team and some QSD Physicians
Eligibility
Rostered QSD patients who meet the eligibility criteria set by Cancer Care Ontario
Fees
Covered by OHIP
About
What is Cancer Screening?
Cancer screening involves straightforward tests to detect cancer (or pre-cancerous conditions) before any symptoms arise. In Ontario, structured programs assist individuals in getting timely screenings and provide necessary follow-up for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.
Who is this for?
Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)
Average risk: Ages 40–74 can self-refer for a mammogram every 2 years through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
High risk: Ages 30–69, referred to the High-Risk OBSP if they meet criteria.
Cervical Cancer Screening (HPV test; formerly PAP testing)
For people with a cervix, ages 25–69, every 5 years when the result is negative. Most can stop between 65–69 depending on history.
Inclusive of women, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people.
Colorectal Cancer Screening (FIT Test or Colonoscopy)
Average risk: Ages 50–74 use an at-home FIT every 2 years; abnormal FIT → colonoscopy.
Increased risk (family history): Start colonoscopy at 50, or 10 years before the youngest affected first-degree relative, every 5 years if the relative was <60, every 10 years if ≥60.
All screening tests listed above are OHIP-covered.
Our Approach at Queen Square
Our interdisciplinary primary care team conducts a chart review of patients identified as eligible for this program. This process ensures that we have a comprehensive understanding of your health status and unique needs even before contacting you. Our team then makes up to two attempts to reach you to promote screening, provide brief education, answer questions, and coordinate the appropriate screening if you consent. If we are unable to reach you after the final attempt, we will send you an outreach letter by mail to ensure you are notified of your eligibility.
We strive to simplify the screening process; therefore, we have partnered with Peel Memorial Hospital (part of the OBSP) to offer you the option to directly coordinate your breast cancer screening (mammogram) appointment through our administrative team.
If you are identified as needing cervical cancer screening, our RPNs can directly schedule your screening appointment with your QSD physician or one of our Nurse Practitioners.
If you are identified as needing colorectal cancer screening, your provider will directly fax your FIT requisition to LifeLabs, who will mail you the FIT Kit for at-home testing. If a colonoscopy is required, your QSD physician will refer you to a specialist who can perform the screening.
Who provides the care?
Providing the program is possible due to the collaboration of a team of family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, registered practical nurses, and admin staff who ensures timely screening, tracks recalls and ensure follow-up.
What services are included?
Risk assessment & education tailored to culture, language, and health literacy.
Breast screening navigation (OBSP direct booking and self-booking support)
Cervical screening (HPV testing) is provided in clinic by appointments.
Colorectal screening (FIT) ordered by your physician and the laboratory will mail-out kits; tracking and rapid colonoscopy referral after abnormal FIT.
Results communication, recalls & reminders so no one falls through the cracks.
How to Access This Service
If you are a Queen Square patient
Breast: Self-book at an OBSP site or ask our team to book for you.
Cervical: Book a screening visit with your QSD physician or an NP.
Colorectal: Contact us, we will submit a FIT requisition and a kit will be mailed to your address.
If you are not a Queen Square patient
Speak with your primary care provider about which screening you are due for. You are most likely to also receive letters from Ontario Health when you are due.