A Newcomer Woman’s Guide to Pap Tests, Mammograms, and Preventive Health Screening in Ontario

Moving to Canada comes with many new experiences, including learning how to access healthcare. For many newcomer women, the healthcare system can feel confusing at first. You may wonder: Do I need a family doctor? Where do I go for screening tests? When should I get a Pap test or mammogram?

Preventive health screening is one of the most important ways to protect your long-term health. These tests are done before you feel sick, with the goal of finding health concerns early, when they are often easier to treat.

What is a Pap test or cervical screening test?

A Pap test, and now in Ontario an HPV-based cervical screening test, checks for changes in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. Ontario now recommends cervical screening for most eligible people every 5 years from ages 25 to 69.

You may still need cervical screening even if you feel healthy, have gone through menopause, have had the HPV vaccine, have not been sexually active in a long time, or have only had one sexual partner.

How do I access cervical screening?

You can usually access cervical screening through:

• A family doctor

• A nurse practitioner

• Some walk-in clinics

• Community health centres

• Sexual health clinics

If you do not have a family doctor, you can register with Health Care Connect, a program that helps people in Ontario find a family doctor or nurse practitioner accepting new patients. You can register online or by calling 811.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to screen for breast cancer. In Ontario, most women, Two-Spirit people, trans people, and non-binary people ages 50 to 74 are recommended to have a mammogram every 2 years through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.

Some people may need earlier or more frequent screening if they are considered high risk, such as those with certain genetic mutations or a strong family history. People ages 30 to 69 who meet high-risk criteria should speak with a doctor or nurse practitioner about referral to the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program.

How do I book a mammogram?

In Ontario, people ages 40 to 74 can call an Ontario Breast Screening Program location directly to book a mammogram appointment. You can search for a location by area, language, accessibility needs, and appointment wait time.

You may also ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to help you decide when screening is right for you, especially if you have breast symptoms, previous breast concerns, or a family history of breast cancer.

What if I do not have a family doctor?

Many newcomers do not have a family doctor right away. While you are waiting, you can still access healthcare support through:

• Walk-in clinics

• Community health centres

• Sexual health clinics

• Public health units

• Ontario Breast Screening Program locations

• Health811

Health811 is a free, secure, confidential service in Ontario where you can call or go online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a registered nurse, get health advice, and find health services.

When should I seek care sooner?

Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms, do not wait for routine screening.

Speak with a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Bleeding after intercourse

• Pelvic pain

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• A breast lump

• Nipple discharge

• Skin changes on the breast

• New breast pain that does not go away

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be assessed.

Why preventive screening matters

Many women put their own health last, especially when they are settling into a new country, caring for children, working, studying, or supporting family members. But preventive care is not selfish. It is one of the most powerful ways to protect your health and your family’s future.

Understanding when and how to access screening can help you feel more confident in the Canadian healthcare system.

Our message to newcomer women

You deserve clear, respectful, and culturally sensitive health information. You deserve to understand your healthcare options. You deserve to ask questions, seek support, and advocate for yourself.

At Women’s Wellness Connect, our goal is to help newcomer and immigrant women feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate health and wellness in Canada.

Your health matters. Your questions matter. And you do not have to navigate the system alone.