Screening tests can help find diseases and health conditions early, when they are easier to treat.
Also known as secondary prevention, health screening identifies health problems as soon as possible to ensure that you and your family can benefit from early medical treatment.
There are a variety of health screening tests and tools. Many can be done as part of regular checkups with your health care provider. Others may require you to visit a lab or specialized screening location.
Typically, routine health screening is recommended according to your age or stage of life.
Prenatal genetic screening during your pregnancy can tell you your chance of having a baby with certain genetic disorders. It is offered free of charge as a choice to all pregnant people with Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage in BC.
There are a number of screening tests that are recommended for all newborns and infants born in BC. These tests identify diseases or conditions where early treatment is important to prevent disability and promote healthy development.
Regular checkups will allow your care provider to monitor your baby's development and check for possible problems.
Regular checkups will allow your care provider to monitor your child's growth and development and check for possible problems.
Regular checkups will allow your care provider to monitor your health and check for possible problems.
If you are sexually active, it's a good idea to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. You can see your doctor about testing, or visit a clinic.
Read when to test.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
Regular checkups will allow your care provider to monitor your health and check for possible problems.
Regular screening is important throughout adulthood, especially if you're at increased risk for a chronic disease or an infectious disease. You may be referred for blood or urine tests or for other screening procedures. Recommended regular screening tests for all adults include:
- blood pressure
- cholesterol
- kidney function
- type 2 diabetes
- skin cancer
- hearing and vision
- weight
- mental health and substance use
If you are sexually active, it's a good idea to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. You can see your doctor about testing, or visit a clinic. Read
When to test.
Depending on your age and your risk of disease, other screening tests may be recommended:
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap test) is a test that can find abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancer. Between age 25-69, Pap tests are recommended every three years for anyone with a cervix. It's important to follow these recommendations even if you've had the HPV vaccine.
Read the recommendations
- Screening mammograms are used to find cancers in breast tissue as early as possible. Screening mammograms are available for eligible individuals in BC age 40 and up. Your screening recommendations will vary according to your age and your family history of breast cancer.
Read the recommendations
- Colon cancer screening detects non-cancerous polyps and cancer early. Everyone aged 50-74 should get screened regularly for colon cancer. The type of screening test recommended for you will depend on your family history and your personal medical history.
Read the recommendations
- Lung screening works by finding cancer in lung tissue early when treatment is more successful. Lung screening is best for those aged 55-74 with a significant smoking history.
Read the recommendations
- Prostate cancer screening checks for abnormalities of the prostate gland. Screening is performed through digital rectal examination, done by your doctor during a regular check up. Between age 50-70, annual screening is recommended for individuals with a prostate as long as they are in reasonably good health. You can also talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of PSA testing.
Please note: The health information provided here is general and appropriate for most people, most of the time. Wherever possible, resources are also provided to address the health needs of specific populations, including people living with a chronic health condition, indigenous people and LGBTQ individuals. Check with your health care provider to determine the health recommendations and resources that are right for you.
