Many types of cancer don’t have screening tests, but some cancers can be found before you feel that something is wrong. This program is designed to increase cancer screening participation for average and high-risk populations (breast, cervical, colorectal).
When a person turns 50, there are several health aspects that become important to monitor in order to maintain good health and prevent complications of disease. For women 50+ we encourage Pap tests, mammograms and colorectal cancer screening. For men 50+ we want to discuss prostate and colorectal cancer. If there is any family history of colorectal, breast, cervical or prostate cancer, your screening guidelines may be earlier. Please make an appointment with a nurse, or your family doctor to discuss what is right for you. The Atikokan Family Health Team will be sending out letters to patients who meet certain criteria for screening for colon cancer. The letter will say that our records show that you are due for the Fetal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and we ask that you contact us at 597-8781 to set up a time to come in to pick up the kit.
Any women who have had sexual skin-to-skin contact should start having Pap tests at the age of 21. This includes intercourse, intimate touching or oral sexual contact. You should have a pap test every three years. If you are found to have abnormal cells, your healthcare provider will advise you of when you need to have another Pap test or if you need to be referred to a specialist. Pap tests can stop at the age of 70 if you have had at least three normal test in the prior 10 years. If you have had a hysterectomy, talk to your health care provider to see if you still need a Pap test.