Free Preventative Cancer Screenings

Cancer screening is testing done for people who are at risk of getting cancer, but who have no symptoms and generally feel fine. Regular screening is important because it can find cancer early when treatment has a better chance of working or help prevent people from getting some cancers. Oxford County residents cancer screening rates are lower than the Ontario Provincial Targets.

Percentage of eligible Oxford residents that are up-to-date on their screening as of March 31, 2024:

Colorectal 61.8%
Cervical 54.6%
Breast 58.6%

Below you will find resources to access cancer screening in Oxford County for three types of cancer: breast, cervical, and colorectal. Our hope is that access to this information will create awareness and incentive for Oxford County community members to get up-to-date on their routine cancer screening.

Breast Screening

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ontario women. Regular screening is important because it can find breast cancer early when treatment has a better chance of working.

Eligibility
It is recommended that individuals between 50-74 years get screened by mammography every 2 years. If you are between the ages of 50-74, you can self-refer to the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) in your area.

How to Access Screening
Eligible individuals can call and book an appointment for your breast screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program. There are 2 locations in Oxford:

  • Woodstock Hospital Woodstock Hospital 519-539-7838
  • Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital 519-842-6335

Preparation
Find tips to help you prepare for your mammogram on the Tillsonburg Hospital Mammography page

Learn more: www.cancercareontario.ca/breast

Cervical Screening

Cervical cancer is almost always preventable. Anyone with a cervix who is or who has ever been sexually active can get cervical cancer. A cervical screening test checks for the signs of cancer before it starts.

Eligibility
It is recommended that individuals aged 25-70 that have a cervix (women, transmasculine and non-binary people,) and who are or have ever been sexually active, have a Pap test every 3 years starting at age 25.

How to Access Screening
Do you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

YES

Talk with your family doctor or Nurse Practitioner about getting your cervical screening test.

NO

Book your Pap test with Southwestern Public Health:

or
Call
1-800-922-0096
follow prompts to connect to Sexual Health Team to book a cervical screening test

Colorectal Screening

Regular cancer screening is important because when colon cancer is diagnosed early, it is more likely to be cured.

Eligibility
People ages 50 to 74 should get checked for colon cancer every 2 years, even if no one in their family has had the disease.

How to Access Screening
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a free at-home test for eligible Ontarians to check for colon cancer. The at-home test for colon cancer is mailed directly to you, is safe and painless, and only requires one sample and no dietary or medication restrictions.

Do you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

YES

Talk with your family doctor or NP about getting your colorectal screening test.

NO

Call 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) to get your free at home FIT mailed to you.

Have a suggestion for a resource we should add?

Translate »