Cancer screening means checking for early signs of cancer. To manage your risk and in some cases even prevent cancer, it’s important to get checked regularly. Some of the most common cancers are breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about what types of screening is best for you.
Overview of cancer screening in Alberta
Getting screened for cancer can save your life. Talk to your doctor or regular healthcare provider today to learn more about whether you should be screened for breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer.
Breast cancer - why should I get screened?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. If it’s found early, treatment can work better, and that’s why screening is so important. It’s recommended that you get screened every 2 years if you have or have had breasts, are between the ages of 45 and 74, and have no other risk factors.
Breast cancer - how do I get screened?
In Alberta, screening for breast cancer is done with a mammogram. Because breast cancer is one of the most common cancers it’s important to get screened regularly. If this type of cancer is found early, treatment can work better.
Cervical cancer – why should I get screened?
Cervical cancer is also one of the most common cancers. But in 9 out of 10 cases it can be prevented with screening and early treatment. It’s recommended to get screened for cervical cancer every 3 years between the ages of 25 and 69, unless your doctor tells you something different.
Cervical cancer – how do I get screened?
In Alberta, screening for cervical cancer is done with Pap test every 3 years. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers, but in 9 out of 10 cases can be prevented with screening and early treatment.
Colorectal cancer - why should I get screened?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. If this cancer is found early 9 out of 10 cases can be treated successfully. It’s recommended that everyone between the ages of 50 and 74 get screened for colorectal cancer every year.
Colorectal cancer – how do I get screened?
In Alberta, screening for colorectal cancer is often done with a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). In 9 out of 10 cases colorectal cancer can be treated successfully if it’s found early.
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Cancer screening video series