Preventative Health
Do I Need a Physical?
It is important to have a regular family health care provider who helps make sure you receive the medical care that is best for your individual needs. But healthy people often don’t necessarily need "annual physicals", and those check-ups can do more harm than good. Here’s why: https://choosingwiselycanada.org/health-check-ups/
Family medicine guidelines now suggest a “periodic health review” instead of an annual physical. The purpose of this appointment (which could be by phone or in-person) is to:
Review and update your medical record
Identify and/or improve any risk factors for disease
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date
Perform or arrange for important screening tests
Depending on your age and health, your doctor may recommend these periodic reviews annually, or just every few years - ask your doctor what is best for you!
Cancer Screening
My CancerIQ is a web-based tool from Cancer Care Ontario, helps you complete a cancer risk assessment. You can use this information to have a conversation with your health-care provider. Also, it will help you learn about things that might be raising or lowering your risk for certain cancers. At the end of each assessment you’ll receive personalized tips on what you can start doing right now to help lower your risk and live a longer, healthier life.
Not all types of cancer can be detected by screening. Screening tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer are the most common.
Cervical - Learn more about screening for cervical cancer
Screening for cervical cancer is done by a pap test. To do a pap test, you will be asked to lie on your back on an examining table. An instrument, called a speculum, is gently inserted into your vagina so your doctor or nurse can more clearly see your cervix. Cells are taken from the cervix and are sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
The new Ontario guidelines for pap testing are every 3 years for those who are sexually active, aged 21-69 years and who have had previously normal pap results. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you come in more often if you have had an abnormal pap in the past.
New! If you are due for a repeat pap test, you can book an appointment online for one of our evening Pap Clinics here: Book a Pap Test Appointment Online. Please note that paps done at these clinics may be performed by male or female providers.
If you would like to schedule your first ever Pap test, please call and book with your healthcare provider to discuss the procedures and your booking options.
For more information ask your healthcare provider or visit Cancer Care Ontario.
Breast- Learn more about screening for breast cancer
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a program of Cancer Care Ontario. The OBSP provides high-quality breast cancer screening for women aged 40 to 74 years or aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer.
In October 2024, the Ontario Breast Screening Program lowered the starting age for screening from age 50 to age 40.This page provides breast cancer screening information specifically for people ages 40 to 49.
Screening for breast cancer is done by mammogram every 2 years. A mammogram is a low dose X-ray of the breast. The X-ray can find changes in the breast, even when the changes are too small for you or your healthcare provider to see or feel. For most women, the mammogram results will be normal. Ask your primary care provider when breast cancer screening is right for you.
For more information ask your healthcare provider or visit Cancer Care Ontario.
Colon - Learn more about screening for colon cancer
Colon Cancer Check recommends that all Ontarians aged 50 and over be screened for colorectal cancer. For those at average risk for colorectal cancer, a simple at home test - the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) - once every 2 years is recommended. The FIT is a simple stool test that can be done in the privacy of your own home. FIT tests replaces the older FOBT tests, and are easier to complete and more accurate.
For those at increased risk because of a family history of one or more first-degree relatives (parent, sibling or child) with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, colonoscopy is advised.
For more information ask your healthcare provider or visit Cancer Care Ontario.
Vaccinations
Childhood vaccinations are an important part of your child's well baby visit.
Healthy adults require periodic vaccinations, and some additional vaccines are important for adults with certain health conditions.
Vaccinations are particularly important for adults over 65, to prevent complications of certain infections.
Vaccinations help the body recognize and fight infections by introducing them in a safe way that does not cause the person to become sick.
Once the body has seen a specific infection it can remember how to fight it for a long time.
Muscle aches, fussiness, tiredness, low grade fever and some redness and swelling at the site of injection are normal reactions to vaccinations.
For more information on vaccinations, visit Toronto Public Health online, or read Your Child's Best Shot: A Parent's Guide to Vaccination, Ronald Gold, MD, MPH.
Flu Shots
Getting your flu shot can help prevent serious illness from the influenza virus. We generally offer flu shots starting in late October or early November of each year. Flu shots are important for everyone, but especially important for those over 65 years of age. Check this website in the fall for updates about when flu shots become available, and how to book an appointment.
Please see more information on our Flu Information web page.