Cancer Screening in Quebec: The Tests That Actually Save Lives

The principle of good screening

A screening test is worthwhile when: the disease is common enough to matter, has a pre-clinical phase we can detect, and has a treatment that works better when started earlier. Not every cancer meets that bar. Four screening programs in Canadian adults have strong evidence: cervical, breast, colorectal, and — for eligible current or former smokers — lung.

Screening for other cancers (prostate, ovarian, pancreatic, thyroid) is more nuanced and should be decided based on individual risk and shared decision-making.

Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer is almost entirely caused by persistent HPV infection, which is why HPV vaccination and cytology (Pap test) have dramatically reduced incidence. Recommended for people with a cervix from age 25 to 65:

Pap test every 3 years, or HPV testing every 5 years where available.

Screening can stop after age 65 if the last three tests have been normal.

Breast cancer screening

Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. In Quebec, PQDCS invites women aged 50 to 74 every 2 years. High-risk women (BRCA carriers, strong family history, prior chest radiation) start earlier and add MRI. Recent guideline updates support offering screening from age 40 based on shared decision-making — a topic best discussed at your annual assessment.

Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because most cases arise from adenomatous polyps that take years to become malignant. Two options for average-risk adults:

FIT (fecal immunochemical test) every 2 years from 50 to 74.

Colonoscopy every 10 years.

Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps moves screening earlier (typically 10 years before the affected relative's diagnosis, but never before age 40).

Lung cancer screening

Low-dose CT (LDCT) lung screening is now recommended annually for adults 55 to 74 who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years, with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. When targeted properly, LDCT reduces lung cancer mortality by around 20%.

Prostate screening: a shared decision

PSA screening reduces prostate cancer mortality modestly but has real downsides — false positives, unnecessary biopsies, overdiagnosis of indolent cancers. Guidelines support offering PSA to men aged 50 to 69 after a discussion of benefits and harms, starting earlier for African-Canadian men and those with a first-degree relative diagnosed young. This is a conversation, not a reflex.

Get your cancer screening organized

Every Complete Health Assessment at CurAge Santé includes a personalized cancer screening plan, requisitions for FIT, mammography or PSA where indicated, and follow-up on results. Book via the contact form.