Cancer Screening

The screening test for breast cancer is screening mammogram. Regular screening mammograms can find breast cancer early, usually before it has spread. BC Cancer Breast Screening provides comprehensive up-to-date information about breast screening, mammograms and more.

Mammograms are offered at various clinic locations throughout Interior Health. In addition, BC Cancer offers a mobile mammogram service, which travels to rural and remote communities in Interior Health to improve and increase access to screening mammograms.

To book an in clinic or mobile mammogram call 1-800-663-9203.

The screening test for cervical cancer is called a Pap test. Pap tests can find abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancer and can save your life.

If you have a cervix and are between the ages of 25 and 60 years old, you should be screened every three to five years. To book a Pap test, call your health-care provider to make an appointment. If you don’t have a family doctor, find one through Pathways Medical Care Directory, or visit BC Cancer’s Clinic Locator to locate a clinic near you that accepts patients for Pap tests. 

The test is free and can be done by a health-care provider at their office or clinic. Cervix self-screening offers a new, convenient alternative to the Pap test for routine cervical cancer screening, allowing you to do it in a place where you feel safe and comfortable, like your home or a health-care provider's office. Request a kit or call 1-877-702-6566 and have one mailed to you.

For the latest and most comprehensive information on cervix screening, visit the BC Cancer Cervix Screening webpage.

Colon screening can save lives by detecting non-cancerous polyps and cancer early. If colon cancer is detected at its earliest stage, the chance of survival is more than 90 per cent. Generally, everyone between the ages of 50 and 74 years old should be screened regularly for colon cancer. There are two main screening tests: the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and colonoscopy.

FIT detects blood in your stool (poop) which can be a sign of pre-cancer. FIT can be done in the comfort of your home. To get a FIT kit, talk to your healthcare provider, who will provide you with an order form for a free kit. You can then take the order form to a participating lab, and pick up your kit. There are no risks in taking a FIT and your results will be sent to your health-care provider who will arrange all necessary follow up.

A colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine your colon (large intestine) for signs of problems, such as cancer or other conditions. The procedure is usually done while you're relaxed or asleep, and it helps detect issues early, when they’re easier to treat. You may be referred for a colonoscopy if you have a personal history of pre-cancerous lesions, a significant family history of colon cancer, or if you’ve had an abnormal FIT result.

Lung screening uses a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan to check your lungs for signs of cancer. This free screening may be available at a local hospital near you and is recommended for individuals at high risk who have no symptoms. You may be eligible if you:

• Are between 55 and 74 years old
• Have smoked for 20 years or more, whether you smoke now or have smoked in the past

Please call the Lung Screening Program at 1-877-717-5864 if you think you qualify.