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Cancer Screening Tests and Your Privacy

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

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