Cervical cancer screening
Definition: Age‐standardized (2011 standard population) percentage of women aged 18–69 who had at least one Papanicolau (Pap) smear in the past 3 years
Rationale for measurement: There is substantial evidence that cancer screening rates are lower among Canadians with low socioeconomic status (SES) than they are among those with higher SES, despite a system of universal health care. Research has also shown that new immigrants to Canada tend to underutilize cancer screening services compared to people who were born in Canada. This trend has also been observed in other countries.
Measurement timeframe: 2012
Denominator: Total number of women aged 18–69 (excluding women who have had a hysterectomy)
Numerator: Total number of women aged 18–69 reporting having had at least one Pap test in the past 3 years
Exclusion criteria: Not applicable
Data availability: All provinces and territories
Stratification: By income, immigration status
Data source: Canadian Community Health Survey
Data retrieval date: Not available
Variables details:
- Have you ever had a PAP smear test?
- When was the last time?
- Have you had a hysterectomy?
Notes from jurisdictions: Not applicable
Methodology notes: CCHS data are based on a representative sample which is then extrapolated to the overall population. Territories are excluded from the income analysis.
Changes to definition compared to previous years: Not applicable
Breast cancer screening
Definition: Percentage of asymptomatic females aged 50‐69 receiving a mammogram within the past 2 years, where asymptomatic is defined as respondents who indicated going for a mammogram for any of the following reasons:
- family history; routine screen/check‐up
- age
- hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Mammograms received for any of the following reasons were excluded:
- lump
- breast problem
- follow‐up to breast cancer treatment
- other
Rationale for measurement: There is substantial evidence that cancer screening rates are lower among Canadians with low socioeconomic status (SES) than they are among those with higher SES, despite a system of universal health care. Research has also shown that new immigrants to Canada tend to underutilize cancer screening services compared to people who were born in Canada. This trend has also been observed in other countries.
Measurement timeframe: 2012
Denominator: Total number of asymptomatic females aged 50 ‐ 69
Numerator: Asymptomatic females aged 50 ‐ 69 who indicated going for a mammogram within the past 2 years
Exclusion criteria: Not applicable
Data availability: All provinces and territories
Stratification: By income, immigration status
Data source: Canadian Community Health Survey
Data retrieval date: Not available
Variables details:
- Have you ever had a mammogram that is, a breast x‐ray?
- Why did you have it? (mark all that apply):
- family history
- part of regular check‐up/routine screening
- age
- HRT
- lump
- followup to breast cancer treatment
- breast problem
- other
- When was the last time?
Notes from jurisdictions: Not applicable
Methodology notes: CCHS data are based on a representative sample which is then extrapolated to the overall population. Territories are excluded from the income analysis.
Changes to definition compared to previous years: Not applicable
Colorectal cancer screening
Definition: Percentage of asymptomatic individuals aged 50 ‐ 74 who are up‐to‐date with their colorectal cancer screening. Up‐to‐date is defined as having had a screening fecal test (FOBT) in the past 2 years and/or sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy in the past 5 years, and asymptomatic is defined as respondents who reported having a CRC screening test for any of the following reasons:
- family history
- regular check‐up/routine screening
- age
- race
Colorectal screening received for any of the following reasons were excluded:
- follow‐up of problem
- follow‐up of colorectal cancer treatment
- other
Rationale for measurement: There is substantial evidence that cancer screening rates are lower among Canadians with low socioeconomic status (SES) than they are among those with higher SES, despite a system of universal health care. Research has also shown that new immigrants to Canada tend to underutilize cancer screening services compared to people who were born in Canada. This trend has also been observed in other countries.
Measurement timeframe: 2012
Denominator: Total number of asymptomatic individuals aged 50 ‐ 74
Numerator: Number of asymptomatic individuals aged 50 ‐ 74 reporting having had an FOBT within the past 2 years and/or a colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy within the past 5 years
Exclusion criteria: Not applicable
Data availability: All provinces and territories
Stratification: By income, immigration status
Data source: Canadian Community Health Survey
Data retrieval date: Not available
Variables details:
- Have you ever had an FOBT test? When was the last time?
- Why did you have it?
- Have you ever had a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy?
- When was the last time? Why did you have it?
Notes from jurisdictions: Not applicable
Methodology notes: CCHS data are based on a representative sample which is then extrapolated to the overall population. Territories are excluded from the income analysis.
Changes to definition compared to previous years: Not applicable