Surgeon General Message: Cancer screening – it could save your life

February 3, 2025 - Defence Stories

Sadly, many of us have been affected by cancer – whether through a family member, colleague or friend facing a diagnosis, or experiencing this ourselves. Hearing the words “you have cancer” or discovering that someone we love has been diagnosed can be devastating. This World Cancer Day, I invite you to learn more about the importance of early detection as it could save your life, or the life of someone you love.

CAF cancer screening program

Detecting cancer early in its initial and more treatable stages is critical as it can help reduce complications, provide more treatment options, and dramatically improve one’s chances of survival. Beginning in February 2025, Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) will send confidential, automated emails to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who fall within the appropriate age, sex identified in the health record, or risk-factor demographics to advise them that they are eligible for cancer screening. CAF members who receive this email should make an appointment with their CFHS primary care provider to discuss and take the necessary steps to complete cancer screening.

Who is eligible?

These recommendations are in keeping with existing Federal/Provincial/Territorial recommendations in Canada:  

1. Breast cancer : Starting at age 40, women and people with breasts^{Footnote 1}  should book with primary care to discuss when to start screening/available options; screening is recommended as of age 50, but may be recommended at an earlier age.
2. Colorectal cancer: Starting at age 50, book with primary care to discuss when to start screening/available options, screening is recommended as of age 50;
3. Cervical cancer: Starting at age 21, those with a cervix should book with primary care to discuss when to start screening/available options; screening is recommended as of age 25; and
4. Lung cancer: Starting at age 50, anyone who has smoked an average of 20 cigarettes or one pack a day for 20 years should book with primary care to discuss screening. Heavy smokers who smoked for less than 20 years but averaged more cigarettes a day should also discuss screening.

I strongly encourage all CAF members to take a more active role in their own health and well-being by discussing cancer screening with their healthcare provider if they fall within the groups listed above. Preventative behaviours, such as not smoking, eating healthy and nutritious foods, getting regular exercise and moderating alcohol consumption as per Canada’s low-risk drinking guidelines are also important factors for reducing cancer risk.

If you are experiencing serious or unusual health symptoms, don’t wait for your next scheduled screening - get care immediately.

Learn more: Screening for Cancer

Merci, Thank you, Meegwetch

Major-General Scott Malcolm
Canadian Armed Forces Surgeon General