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Cervical Screening Letters

Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) mails letters to people with a cervix ages 25 to 74 inviting them to get a cervical screening test through the Ontario Cervical Screening Program and reminding them when it is time to get screened again. We also send letters to people age 21 and older to tell them their test results.

Types of Letters

Invitation Letters

We send letters inviting people to start screening when they turn 25 years old.

Recall Letters

We send recall letters reminding people who qualify to get screened again in 5 years. Some people may be recalled sooner, depending on their last cervical screening test result.

Result Notifications

After analyzing your cervical screening test, the lab sends your result to the doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife who did your test and to Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario). Ontario Health also sends you your test result by mail:

  • Normal result
    We tell you when you have a normal result and when to get screened again.
  • Unsatisfactory result
    We tell you if the lab rejected your cervical screening test or if the result could not be read. In both cases, you need to do the test again. Contact the doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife who did your cervical screening test so you can repeat the test.
  • Abnormal result
    Your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife will tell you about your abnormal result and any next steps. We will also send you a letter about your abnormal result and ask you to see your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife to talk about next steps.

For more information on your cervical screening test results and next steps, see After a Cervical Screening Test.

Reminder Letters

If you do not get screened on time or follow your next steps quickly enough, we will send you a letter reminding you to take action.

Privacy Notice

The privacy notice tells you about our cancer screening programs and how your information is protected.

Samples of Letters

Invitation letter

March 3, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

I am writing to invite you to get the cervical screening test, which can help you avoid getting cervical cancer.

The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test because it is better at helping prevent cervical cancer. The cervical screening test feels like getting a Pap test.

The cervical screening test checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer in people with a cervix.

Eight out of 10 people will get HPV at least once in their lifetime. People can get HPV from having sexual contact of any kind with another person. Someone can have HPV for many years and not know it unless they get the cervical screening test.

The cervical screening test is safe, free and only takes a few minutes. Make an appointment for your test as soon as you can to help protect your health.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


How to make an appointment for your test

Call your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife to ask them to do your test -or-
Use Health811 any time to find a clinic that does cervical screening tests:

For more information, visit ontariohealth.ca/cervical-test

Should I get a cervical screening test?

Yes, get a test if you:

  • Are at least 25 years old -and-
  • Are a woman, Two-Spirit person, transmasculine person or nonbinary person with a cervix -and-
  • Have ever had sexual contact with another person

Yes, still get a test if you:

  • Feel healthy
  • Have had sexual contact with only 1 person
  • Have had the same sexual partner for a long time
  • Have not had sexual contact in a long time
  • Are in a same-sex relationship
  • Have been through menopause
  • Have not had any family members with cervical cancer
  • Have had the HPV vaccine

What is sexual contact?

Sexual contact can include many different things. In this letter, it includes any time another person has contact with your genitals (private parts). This contact can be with the hands, mouth or genitals.

What is a cervix and what is cervical cancer?

The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening). Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. If you had surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy), you may or may not still have your cervix. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner to find out.

What happens during a cervical screening test?

The cervical screening test feels like getting a Pap test. A doctor or nurse practitioner will use a small, soft brush to take cells from your cervix so the lab can test the cells for HPV. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can try to make the test as comfortable as possible for you.

How often do I need a cervical screening test and when should I stop testing?

Research shows that most people need cervical screening every 5 years from ages 25 to 69. Some people may get cervical screening tests more often or after age 69 if their doctor or nurse practitioner thinks they need to.

Do I still need to get a Pap test?

No. The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test. The Pap test only checked for cell changes in the cervix, but the cervical screening test can check for HPV and cell changes.

How can I get a doctor or nurse practitioner?

Call Health811 at 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect. To find Indigenous-led health centres, visit iphcc.ca/meet-our-members or afhto.ca/find-team-near-you.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPINV0325

Recall letter

March 3, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

I am writing to invite you to get your next cervical screening test, which can help you avoid getting cervical cancer.

The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test because it is better at helping prevent cervical cancer. The cervical screening test feels like getting a Pap test.

The cervical screening test checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer in people with a cervix.

Eight out of 10 people will get HPV at least once in their lifetime. People can get HPV from having sexual contact of any kind with another person. Someone can have HPV for many years and not know it unless they get the cervical screening test.

The cervical screening test is safe, free and only takes a few minutes. Make an appointment for your test as soon as you can to help protect your health.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


How to make an appointment for your test

Call your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife to ask them to do your test -or-

Use Health811 any time to find a clinic that does cervical screening tests:

For more information, visit ontariohealth.ca/cervical-test

Should I get a cervical screening test?

Yes, get a test if you:

  • Are at least 25 years old -and-
  • Are a woman, Two-Spirit person, transmasculine person or nonbinary person with a cervix -and-
  • Have ever had sexual contact with another person

Yes, still get a test if you:

  • Feel healthy
  • Have had sexual contact with only 1 person
  • Have had the same sexual partner for a long time
  • Have not had sexual contact in a long time
  • Are in a same-sex relationship
  • Have been through menopause
  • Have not had any family members with cervical cancer
  • Have had the HPV vaccine

What is sexual contact?

Sexual contact can include many different things. In this letter, it includes any time another person has contact with your genitals (private parts). This contact can be with the hands, mouth or genitals.

What is a cervix and what is cervical cancer?

The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening). Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. If you had surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy), you may or may not still have your cervix. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner to find out.

What happens during a cervical screening test?

The cervical screening test feels like getting a Pap test. A doctor or nurse practitioner will use a small, soft brush to take cells from your cervix so the lab can test the cells for HPV. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can try to make the test as comfortable as possible for you.

How often do I need a cervical screening test and when should I stop testing?

Research shows that most people need cervical screening every 5 years from ages 25 to 69. Some people may get cervical screening tests more often or after age 69 if their doctor or nurse practitioner thinks they need to.

Do I still need to get a Pap test?

No. The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test. The Pap test only checked for cell changes in the cervix, but the cervical screening test can check for HPV and cell changes.

How can I get a doctor or nurse practitioner?

Call Health811 at 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect. To find Indigenous-led health centres, visit iphcc.ca/meet-our-members or afhto.ca/find-team-near-you.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPRCL0325

Normal result letter

People will receive one of the following normal result letters:

Normal Result Letter – 5-year recall

March 3, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

YOUR TEST RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for doing your cervical screening test, which checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Your test shows that you do not have a type of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

Please get another cervical screening test in 5 years, unless a doctor or nurse practitioner says you should do one sooner. See the back of this letter to find out why someone may need to get a cervical screening test sooner.

Doing this test when you need to can help you avoid getting cervical cancer. We will mail you a reminder in 5 years about getting tested again.

See the back of this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/cervical-test for more information.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).

Is it safe to wait 5 years for another cervical screening test?

Yes. Research shows that someone with your test result has almost no chance of getting cervical cancer in the next 5 years. It is best for most people to get another cervical screening test in 5 years.

Who needs a cervical screening test more often than every 5 years?

People who have had cervical colposcopy (sounds like call-poss-ka-pee) or who have a weakened immune system may need a cervical screening test more often. People with a weakened immune system include people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as people who take medicine that makes the immune system weaker or who need dialysis. It also includes people with organ or stem cell transplants, lupus or congenital immunodeficiency (born with an immune system defect). If you have had cervical colposcopy or have a weakened immune system, talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner about when you should get your next cervical screening test.

Do I need a cervical screening test more often than every 5 years if someone in my family has had cervical cancer?

No. Cervical cancer is different from some other cancers. Having someone in your family with cervical cancer does not increase your chance of getting cervical cancer.

Do I still need to get a Pap test?

No. The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test because it is better at helping prevent cervical cancer. The Pap test only checked for cell changes in the cervix, but the cervical screening test can check for HPV and cell changes.

Does my doctor or nurse practitioner know about my test result?

Your result was sent to the person who did your test.

Who should I talk to if I have questions about my test result?

Talk to your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your test if you have any questions about your result.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPNTFN0325


Normal Result Letter – no recall

March 3, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

YOUR TEST RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for doing your cervical screening test, which checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Your test shows that you do not have a type of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

Based on your last few cervical screening test results, your chances of getting cervical cancer will be very low for the rest of your life. Because your chances of getting cervical cancer are so low, you likely do not need to get any more cervical screening tests. Please talk to your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your test to see if you can stop getting tested.

This is the last letter we will send to you about cervical screening tests.

See the back of this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/cervical-test for more information.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).

How often do I need a cervical screening test and when should I stop testing?

Research shows that most people need cervical screening every 5 years from ages 25 to 69. Some people may get cervical screening tests more often or after age 69 if their doctor or nurse practitioner thinks they need to.

Does my doctor or nurse practitioner know about my test result?

Your result was sent to the person who did your test.

Who should I talk to if I have questions about my test result?

Talk to your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your test if you have any questions about your result.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPNTFNNR0325

Unsatisfactory result letter

People whose cervical screening result is unsatisfactory (that is, the lab could not process the test) will receive one of the following letters:



Unsatisfactory Result Letter – Version 1


March 3, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

PLEASE REPEAT YOUR TEST

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for doing your cervical screening test, which checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Your test shows that you have a type of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer, but we could not tell from your test whether the HPV has changed any cells in your cervix.

It is important to know whether HPV has changed the cells in your cervix because these cell changes may turn into cervical cancer over time.

Please make an appointment as soon as you can with your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your cervical screening test so you can repeat the test.

If you have already made an appointment, thank you and please ignore this letter.

See the back of this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/do-cervical-test for more information.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).

Can I do something to get rid of my HPV?

No. HPV often goes away on its own. If it does not, there are ways to treat the health problems that HPV can cause. For example, if someone has HPV for many years, it can sometimes cause changes in the cells of the cervix. The good news is these cell changes can be treated before they cause cervical cancer.

When and how did I get HPV?

There is usually no way to know when a person gets HPV. Someone can have HPV for many years without knowing it. People get HPV when another person has sexual contact with their genitals (private parts). This contact can be with the hands, mouth or genitals. HPV is very common and most people will get HPV at least once in their lifetime.

Do I need to stop having sexual contact if I have HPV?

You can still have sexual contact if you have HPV. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner, or go to a sexual health clinic if you have questions.

What if I already repeated the test?

Your doctor, nurse practitioner or the person who did your cervical screening test will talk with you about seeing a specialist for cervical colposcopy (sounds like call-poss-ka-pee). If you go for colposcopy, the specialist will check your cervix more closely than during a cervical screening test.

Does my doctor or nurse practitioner know about my test result?

Your result was sent to the person who did your test.

Who should I talk to if I have questions about my test result?

Talk to your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your test if you have any questions about your result.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPNTFUCYT10325




Unsatisfactory Result Letter – Version 2


March 3, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

PLEASE REPEAT YOUR TEST

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for doing your cervical screening test, which checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

I am writing to let you know that we could not get a result from your test. I am sorry this happened. This is not a cause for concern, but it does mean you need to repeat the test.

Please make an appointment as soon as you can with your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your cervical screening test so you can repeat the test.

If you have already made an appointment, thank you and please ignore this letter.

See the back of this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/cervical-test for more information.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).

Does my doctor or nurse practitioner know that I need to repeat the test?

The person who did your test was told that you need to repeat the test.

What if I already repeated my test?

Your doctor, nurse practitioner or the person who did your cervical screening test will talk with you about seeing a specialist for cervical colposcopy (sounds like call-poss-ka-pee). If you go for colposcopy, the specialist will check your cervix more closely than during a cervical screening test.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPNTFIHPV10325




Unsatisfactory Result Letter – Version 3


March 3, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

ABOUT YOUR TEST RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for doing your cervical screening test, which checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

I am writing to let you know that we could not get a result from your test. I am sorry this happened. This is not a cause for concern, but you may need to repeat the test.

Please make an appointment as soon as you can with your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your cervical screening test to talk about next steps

If you have already made an appointment, thank you and please ignore this letter.

See the back of this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/cervical-test for more information.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).

Does my doctor or nurse practitioner know that you could not get a result from my test?

The person who did your test was told that we could not get a result from your test.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPNTFR0325

Abnormal result letter

People whose cervical screening result is abnormal will receive one of the following letters:



Abnormal Result Letter – Version 1


March 3, 2025

 

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

YOUR TEST RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for doing your cervical screening test, which checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Your test shows that you have a type of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

Please keep in mind that HPV is a virus that often goes away in 2 to 3 years without doing any harm. It is very rare for someone with your test result to get cervical cancer.

No other tests are needed right now. Your body needs time to try to get rid of the HPV.

We will mail you a letter in 2 years to ask you to get tested again. If your test shows that you still have HPV in 2 years, you will be asked to do other tests.

If you would like to talk about your test result, contact your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your test. Also see the back of this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/2-year-cervical-test for more information.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).

Can I do something to get rid of my HPV?

No. HPV often goes away on its own. If it does not, there are ways to treat the health problems that HPV can cause. For example, if someone has HPV for many years, it can sometimes cause changes in the cells of the cervix. The good news is these cell changes can be treated before they cause cervical cancer.

Is it safe to wait 2 years for another test?

Yes. Research shows that it is best for people with this test result to get another cervical screening test in 2 years. Waiting 2 years gives your body time to try to get rid of the HPV. For most people, HPV goes away on its own without doing any harm. Your HPV will not go away sooner if you get another cervical screening test before you are supposed to.

In the meantime, if you notice new or different bleeding or discharge (clear or yellow fluid) from the vagina (genital opening), talk to your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your test.

When and how did I get HPV?

There is usually no way to know when a person gets HPV. Someone can have HPV for many years without knowing it. People get HPV when another person has sexual contact with their genitals (private parts). This contact can be with the hands, mouth or genitals. HPV is very common and most people will get HPV at least once in their lifetime.

Do I need to stop having sexual contact if I have HPV?

You can still have sexual contact if you have HPV. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner, or go to a sexual health clinic if you have questions.

Does my doctor or nurse practitioner know about my test result?

Your result was sent to the person who did your test.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPNTFAM0325




Abnormal Result Letter – Version 2


March 3, 2025

 

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

YOUR TEST RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for doing your cervical screening test, which checks for types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

Your test shows that you have a type of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.

Having this type of HPV does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but it does mean you need a test called cervical colposcopy (sounds like call-poss-ka-pee). During colposcopy, a specialist checks your cervix more closely than during a cervical screening test. Your colposcopy results will help you and the specialist decide on next steps. Getting colposcopy can help you avoid getting cervical cancer.

If you have not heard from them yet, please contact your doctor, your nurse practitioner or the person who did your cervical screening test as soon as you can. They will talk with you about seeing a specialist for colposcopy. It is important to get colposcopy, even if you feel healthy.

See the back of this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/colpo for more information.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).

What is cervical colposcopy?

Cervical colposcopy (sounds like call-poss-ka-pee) is an exam done by a specialist doctor. During colposcopy, a specialist checks your cervix more closely than during a cervical screening test. The specialist uses a bright light and magnifying lens to see if anything does not look normal. Tiny samples of tissue are sometimes taken from the cervix and sent to the lab for testing. You do not need to do anything to prepare for colposcopy. The specialist can try to make your colposcopy as comfortable as possible.

When and how did I get HPV?

There is usually no way to know when a person gets HPV. Someone can have HPV for many years without knowing it. People get HPV when another person has sexual contact with their genitals (private parts). This contact can be with the hands, mouth or genitals. HPV is very common and most people will get HPV at least once in their lifetime.

Do I need to stop having sexual contact if I have HPV?

You can still have sexual contact if you have HPV. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner, or go to a sexual health clinic if you have questions.

Does my doctor or nurse practitioner know about my test result?

Your result was sent to the person who did your test.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OCSPNTFAH0325

Correspondence privacy notice

Why you are getting this letter

You are getting this letter because you have been invited to do a cancer screening test or you are waiting for a cancer screening test result. Cancer screening is testing done on someone who may have a higher chance of getting cancer based on factors like their age or family health history, but who has no symptoms and generally feels well. Regular cancer screening is important because it can find cancer early when treatment has a better chance of working. The purpose of this letter is to let you know how your personal health information is used as part of Ontario Health’s cancer screening programs and how your privacy is protected.

Why we collect personal health information

Ontario Health, an agency of the Ministry of Health, manages cancer screening programs for colon, breast, and cervical cancer (ColonCancerCheck, the Ontario Breast Screening Program and the Ontario Cervical Screening Program). These programs use personal health information under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), Ontario’s health privacy law. The programs use this information to help improve finding cancer early, such as by sending letters inviting people to get screened. Ontario Health acts according to PHIPA while collecting and using personal health information.

How we collect and store personal health information

Under PHIPA, Ontario’s health privacy law, Ontario Health collects secured personal health information from health care facilities, labs, the Ministry of Health, and health professionals such as doctors and nurse practitioners. Ontario Health stores personal health information in a safe and secure Ontario cancer screening database. This database can only be seen by our authorized employees who are required to follow our privacy policies.

How we use personal health information

  • We send letters inviting people to get screening tests.
  • We give people their screening test results.
  • We remind people when it is time to get another screening test.
  • We make improvements to the Ontario cancer screening programs.

How to stop getting letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)

At any time, you can ask us to stop sending you cancer screening letters. To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the Cancer Screening Programs: Participant Information Form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters under the “Privacy & Alternative Format” tab or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. Print the form and fax or mail it back.

To learn more about the screening program privacy rules at Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), call 1.866.662.9233, visit cancercareontario.ca/screeningphi or email cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Cette lettre personnalisée est disponible en français en appelant le 1.866.662.9233

ALLPN0721