Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ontario because it is often found at a late stage, when it has spread to other parts of the body. The Ontario Lung Screening Program helps to find lung cancer early when it is easier to treat.
Lung Cancer Patient Screening Story
Watch this video to hear about Nadine's cancer journey. In this video, she explains why lung cancer screening is so important. Nadine is a proud member of Alderville First Nation, a retired nurse, and a lung cancer survivor!
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer.
It is never too late to quit smoking even if you have cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to help your cancer treatment work better. Call 811 to get help to quit smoking.
Lung Cancer and Smoking
Ontario Lung Screening Program
You may be eligible for lung cancer screening if you are between 55 to 80 years of age and smoke cigarettes and other forms of smoked commercial tobacco for 20 or more years over your lifetime (not necessarily in a row). You may still qualify for screening even if you have already quit smoking.
A navigator will meet with you over the phone to do a risk assessment. During the risk assessment, the navigator will ask you questions about your health history, your family history of cancer and your history of smoking. The results of the risk assessment will determine if you qualify for lung cancer screening.
To find out if you qualify for lung cancer screening:
- Call the Central East Ontario Lung Screening Program at 905-576-8711 (toll free: 1-866-338-1778) extension 34449 to make an appointment with a navigator, or
- Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to refer you to the Ontario Lung Screening Program.
Watch this video to learn more about the Ontario Lung Screening Program.
Where to get screened for lung cancer
If you qualify for lung screening, you will be offered a test called a "low-dose CT scan". This is the best way to find lung cancer early when treatment has a better chance of working.
Low dose CTs for lung cancer screening are booked at approved OLSP sites. The number of approved sites is expanding. See map below for participating sites.
How to get screened if you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner:
Call the Central East Ontario Lung Screening Program at 905-576-8711 (toll free: 1-866-338-1778) extension 34449 to make an appointment with a navigator. If you are eligible for screening, a doctor will make a referral on your behalf.
Register with Health Care Connect to be connected with a Primary Care Provider in your community:
Find a doctor or nurse practitioner | ontario.ca
For more information on the Ontario Lung Screening Program