Published by Aafiyat Medical Centre · September 2026

Short answer: In Ontario, most women should have an HPV test for cervical screening every 5 years from age 25 (if they have ever been sexually active), a mammogram every 2 years from age 50 to 74 (and from 40 if they choose), and a stool test (FIT) for colon cancer every 2 years from age 45 to 74. At 65, Ontario now also offers a one-time ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Your doctor may suggest a different plan if you are at higher risk.

Several of these programs changed recently, so even if you were up to date a few years ago, it is worth checking again.

Cervical screening: the HPV test has replaced the Pap test

On March 3, 2025, Ontario switched from the Pap test to the HPV test for cervical screening. The HPV test looks for the types of human papillomavirus that cause almost all cervical cancers.

Who: people with a cervix aged 25 and older who have ever been sexually active
How often: every 5 years if your HPV test is negative
When to stop: most people can stop between 65 and 69 if their recent results have been normal

The test is done during a pelvic exam, much like a Pap test. If you have had the HPV vaccine, you still need screening.

Breast screening: you can book from age 40

The Ontario Breast Screening Program offers a mammogram every 2 years to people aged 40 to 74, and encourages screening from 50. Since October 2024, people aged 40 to 49 can also choose to book their own mammogram without a referral by calling 1-800-668-9304. People at high risk, for example because of family history or genetics, may qualify for yearly screening with a mammogram and an MRI (or ultrasound) from age 30 to 69, once a doctor or genetic counsellor confirms their risk.

Screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice a lump, a change in the shape of your breast, skin changes or nipple discharge, see your doctor rather than waiting for your next mammogram.

Colon screening now starts at 45

Since July 1, 2026, Ontario’s colon cancer screening starts at age 45 instead of 50. People at average risk aged 45 to 74 should do a FIT stool test every 2 years. It is done at home, and the kit is mailed to you.

Your family doctor or nurse practitioner orders the kit. If you do not have one, you can arrange it through Health811 by calling 811 or going online. If a parent, brother, sister or child has had colon cancer, talk to your doctor, as you may need a colonoscopy instead, starting at a younger age.

At 65: a one-time aneurysm check

Since September 2025, Ontario’s Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program invites people at 65, both men and women, for a one-time ultrasound of the aorta, the large blood vessel in the abdomen. Your primary care provider orders it.

Other regular checks

Blood pressure: have it checked at your regular visits
Diabetes: a blood test every 3 years from age 40, or earlier and more often if you are at higher risk, for example if you have a family history of diabetes, or are of South Asian, Arab, African, Asian, Hispanic or Indigenous background
Cholesterol: from age 40, or earlier if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood pressure during a past pregnancy, or a family history of heart disease

Screening at a glance

25 and older: HPV test every 5 years
40 and older: diabetes and cholesterol checks, and you may choose to start mammograms
45 to 74: FIT stool test every 2 years
50 to 74: mammogram every 2 years
65: one-time aneurysm ultrasound

Women’s health at Aafiyat Medical Centre

At Aafiyat Medical Centre in Mississauga, our doctors provide cervical screening, breast exams and screening referrals, contraception including IUD and implant insertion, pregnancy and postpartum care, and menopause care. Learn more about women’s health at Aafiyat.

No family doctor? Several of our family doctors are accepting new patients: see who’s accepting. You can also call, text or WhatsApp 289-813-0786.

Sources

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.