Areas of Care

Cancer Program

Cancer Program

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About the program 

The Integrated Cancer Screening and Prevention Program works with The Ottawa Hospital to help people in Eastern Ontario get screened for cancer and reduce their risk of getting cancer.  

The program focuses on both early detection and prevention by coordinating provincial screening programs, sharing information about healthy practices, and working with community partners to improve access to care. Together, we help people stay informed, get screened at the right time and understand steps that may lower their risk of cancer.   

It serves residents of Ottawa, Renfrew, Lanark, Prescott and Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. 

Cancer Prevention

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There are things you can do to live a healthy lifestyle and lower your risk of cancer. It is easier than you may think!   

Take the My Cancer IQ quiz to understand your risk of developing cancer.   

Quick tips to help you reduce your risk of getting cancer   

1. Limit your alcohol intake 

Alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, esophagus, breast, liver, colon and rectum. To lower your risk, limit your intake to no more than two drinks per week. The less you drink, the safer you are.  

Learn more: 

Limit alcohol (Canadian Cancer Society)  

Low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines (Government of Canada)  

Rethink Your Drinking

2. Quit smoking  

Smoking is responsible for most preventable cancers in Ontario. Smokers face up to 20 times the risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers—and are vulnerable to at least 16 other types of cancer.  

Even after diagnosis, many continue to smoke. But quitting remains essential. In fact, smoking cessation is considered the fourth pillar of cancer treatment—alongside surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.  

Resources to help you quit:  

Get help to quit smoking (Canadian Cancer Society)  

Quit Smoking Program (University of Ottawa Heart Institute)   

3. Eat well  

Nutrition plays a powerful role in cancer prevention. Here’s how to make your diet work for you:   

  • Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily—especially brightly coloured ones rich in phytonutrients.
  • Limit processed meats like bacon, ham, and deli meats to under 50g per day.  
  • Cut back on red meat (beef, pork, lamb, veal, goat) to no more than three servings per week.   

Being overweight also increases cancer risk. Even modest weight loss can make a difference. Talk to your healthcare provider about healthy steps you can take.  

Learn more:   :  

Eat well (Canadian Cancer Society) 

4. Move more, sit less   

Physical activity is key to reducing cancer risk—but it’s not just about hitting the gym. Canadians spend an average of ten hours a day sitting. Even if you exercise once a day, prolonged sitting still increases your risk.   

Tips to stay active throughout the day:   

  • Set hourly reminders to stretch or walk.  
  • Stand during meetings.  
  • Move during TV commercial breaks.  
  • Place items that you use often out of reach.   

Aim for 30 minutes of activity daily—even short bursts help. Try walking, dancing, gardening or doing free online workouts. 

5. Reduce environmental and viral exposures 

Certain viruses, chemicals and UV radiation can increase cancer risk.   

  • HPV can cause cervical and throat cancers. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine and continue regular cervical screenings.  
  • Hepatitis B is linked to liver cancer. A vaccine is available—consult your health-care provider.  
  • Environmental risks include radon, asbestos, and air pollution. Learn how to protect yourself.  
  • Sun exposure increases skin cancer risk. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade.   . 

Learn more:

Be sun safe (Canadian Cancer Society)  

Cervical cancer screening and prevention (Government of Ontario)  

Cancer screening 

Cancer screening is available in Ontario through four organized provincial programs: cervical, breast, lung and colon cancer.

Cancer screening is available for people who do not have signs or symptoms of cancer.  

Check the table below to see if you are eligible for screening:  

Cervical Cancer

Breast Cancer

Lung Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

HPV screening test every five years from age 25 to 69.Mammograms from age 40 to 74. If you have a family history of breast cancer, speak with our nurse practitioner to see if earlier screening is for you.Current or past smokers aged 55 to 80.A stool (FIT) test every two years from age 50 to 74. Based on family history, some people may be eligible for a screening colonoscopy.  

HPV screening test every five years from age 25 to 69.

The Ontario Cervical Screening Program helps reduce the risk of cervical cancer by encouraging regular screening and making sure people receive timely follow-up for abnormal results.  

Regular cervical screening is important because it checks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer. The test also looks for early cell changes that could develop into cancer over time. Detecting and treating these changes early can prevent cervical cancer from developing.  

Who can get screened for cervical cancer

All people with a cervix, including women, TwoSpirit, transmasculine, and nonbinary individuals aged 25 to 69.  

How to get screened for cervical cance

Contact your primary care provider. If you don’t have one, you can book an appointment online or call 1-833-551-4125. You can also go to a walk-in clinic. 

Mammograms from age 40 to 74. If you have a family history of breast cancer, speak with our nurse practitioner to see if earlier screening is for you.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program helps reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by offering regular, high-quality screening to people who qualify.  

Who can get screened for breast cancer:  

  • People aged 40 to 74 at average risk.  
  • People aged 30 to 69 at high risk.  

People over age 74 can continue screening, but they are encouraged to talk with their family doctor or nurse practitioner to decide what’s right for them.  

Women aged 40 to 74 can book a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.  A referral is not required at most sites.  

Breast screening locations in the Champlain region

Current or past smokers aged 55 to 80

The Ontario Lung Screening Program helps find lung cancer early in people at high risk, when treatment is more effective. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ontario because it is often found at a late stage. Screening can detect it sooner, when treatment has a better chance of working.  

Who can get screened for lung cancer

You may be eligible for lung cancer screening if you:  

  • Are 55 to 80 years old.  
  • Have smoked cigarettes daily for at least 20 years (not necessarily in a row).  
  • Have OHIP coverage.

Lung cancer screening is for people who feel well and have no symptoms. A health-care provider can refer you, or you can contact the Ontario Lung Screening Program to check your eligibility. Not everyone who is referred will qualify.  

Referrals

In the Champlain region, lung cancer screening referrals go through a Central Intake. Once referred, people who qualify can complete their lung screening at a participating hospital site within the region.  

To refer yourself to the Ontario Lung Screening Program or call 1-844-394-1124.

A stool (FIT) test every two years from age 50 to 74. Based on family history, some people may be eligible for a screening colonoscopy.    

ColonCancerCheck is Ontario’s organized colorectal cancer screening program. It aims to detect cancer early and reduce deaths through regular, evidencebased screening.  

Colon cancer screening involves using a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).  The FIT is a simple, at-home stool test that checks for hidden blood—an early sign of cancer or polyps.  It is free for eligible Ontarians and mailed to you by LifeLabs after a provider request.   

Who should get screened for colon cancer  

  • People at average risk (ages 50 to 74): Use the FIT every two years.  
  • People at increased risk (those with a family history of colon cancer): Get screened with a colonoscopy starting at age 50 or ten years before the relative’s diagnosis. 

Where to get screened for colon cancer 

Contact your primary care provider. If you don’t have one, you can book an appointment online or call 1-833-551-4125.  You can also call 811 or go to a walk-in clinic.  

Cancer screening without a primary care provider

If you live in Eastern Ontario, are covered by OHIP, and don’t have a family doctor, you can still get screened for certain cancers. 

The Champlain Screening Outreach Program, led by The Ottawa Hospital and the Champlain Regional Cancer Program, helps people in Eastern Ontario who do not have a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) get screened for cancer. The goal of the program is to support early cancer detection and reduce barriers to care.  

The program was launched in 2023. 

Cancers screened 

The program provides screening for cancers with existing provincial screening programs:  

  • Cervical cancer: HPV screening every five years for ages 25 to 69.  
  • Breast cancer: Mammograms for ages 40 to 74.  
  • Lung cancer: For current or former smokers aged 55 to 80.  
  • Colorectal cancer: A FIT every two years for ages 50 to 74 (colonoscopy if needed).   

How it works  

  1. Refer yourself online or call 1-833-551-4125.    
  2. Attend your first appointment (by phone).  
  3. Attend any In-person, coordinated follow-up appointments at various sites across the region. For example, we can connect you to cancer services at The Ottawa Hospital, if needed.