Cancer Screening

The content in this page provides information to equip Canadian Armed Forces members to make informed choices about cancer screening options for breast/chest, cervical, colorectal and lung cancers. Screening can help catch cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear, making treatment more effective and improving the chances of survival.

Please note that the recommendations in this site are for average-risk individuals. Individuals with a family history of cancer (e.g. breast or colorectal) should discuss with their healthcare provider specific risk factors and appropriate age to start cancer screening. In some cases, the age to start screening may be earlier than the general recommendations described within this site.

Information about specific cancer types

Did You Know? Your dentist plays a key role in screening for lung cancer risk factors. They can also help you learn about the effects of tobacco, vaping and cannabis, and options to help protect your health. — Lung cancer information

Did you know? Research shows that individuals who become eligible for breast screening and do not attend their first screening mammogram are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer later in life due to delays in detection. — Breast/Chest cancer information

Know Alcohol - Calculate your health risks, costs and calories from drinking alcohol — Try the calculator

Did you know? Research shows that HPV testing is better at detecting precancer or cancer than Pap smear testing. — Cervical cancer information

Did you know? Drinking alcohol raises your risk of developing colorectal, esophageal, liver, stomach, head and neck, breast, and pancreatic cancers. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your cancer risk. — Colorectal cancer information

Cancer Screening saves lives

When to start Screening:

Breast Cancer (Age 50)

Recommended if you have breasts. ^{Footnote 1}
Ages 40+ may be eligible for screening.

Cervical Cancer (Age 25)

Recommended if you have (or had) a cervix.
Ages 21+ may be eligible for screening.

Colorectal Cancer (Age 50)

Recommended for everyone.

Lung Cancer (Age 50)

Smokers with a 20 pack year history (even if you quit) should get assessed.

Person-Partnered Care

Contact your CDU to book a test
Discuss your personal risk factors with your healthcare provider
Ask for information on cancer screening options and when to start
Attend screening appointments and follow-up tests

Infographic promoting cancer screening for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer, showing who should be screened, recommended starting ages, screening intervals, and the importance of discussing risk factors, attending appointments, and knowing cancer symptoms.

Symptoms

Know the symptoms of cancer
If you notice symptoms or changes in your health, seek care right away

Get Screened Regularly

Breast – every 2 years
Cervical – every 3 years
Colorectal – every 2 years
Lung – every year for 3 years, if you are eligible

Resources

CAF Medical Centers

Page details

2026-09-17

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