While traditionally many family doctors have scheduled their patients into the office once a year to do an "annual physical", there is no scientific evidence that this actually prevents disease or saves lives. In keeping with the most up to date medical literature and recommendations, we are moving away from the annual physical and moving towards the Periodic Health Exam.

It is an appointment that focuses on health prevention. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking have all been proven to improve your health and will be reviewed at your Periodic Health Exam. Appropriate cancer screening tests, required blood work (if any), and immunizations will also be reviewed. A full head to toe exam is not necessary, and instead your doctor will do a focused physical exam based on your current concerns and your current health.

Periodic health exams (previously referred to as physicals or check-ups) are NOT required annually for most patients. The recommended frequency of these visits for well patients is as follows: 

• Age 2 - 20: every 2 years  
• Age 20 - 50: every 3 years  
• Age 50 - 65: every 2 years  
• Age 65+: every year   

Patients should book a regular appointment if at any time they feel unwell or have an acute concern. Patients with chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes will have more frequent monitoring visits in addition to their periodic health exam.

Preventative screening of all appropriate patients is recommended to assist in early detection of cervical, colon and breast cancers. Our practice follows the Cancer Care Ontario guidelines for this screening:

• Pap test – women aged 21-69 who are or have ever been sexually active, every 3 years*
• Mammogram – women aged 50-74, every 1-2 years as per breast density*
• Colon Cancer screening – starting age 50 or those with a family history of colon cancer prior to age 50. Stool test every 2 yrs for average risk individuals; colonoscopy for high risk patients or as per physician*

* Screening intervals and initiation of testing may differ based on personal and family history

As of June 24th, 2019, Ontario has replaced the previous guaic fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). It is a safe and painless test that checks your stool (poop) for tiny drops of blood, which can be caused by colorectal cancer or some pre-cancerous polyps (growths in the colon or rectum that can turn into cancer over time). You can do this test at home and it only takes a few minutes. Unlike the previous gFOBT poop test,  you do not have to change your diet or stop taking medication to do the test. It is also a single poop sample which is more convenient.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada has made recommendations around the "Annual Physical" including the frequency and necessity of certain screening tests. Yearly blood work is not always required. Click here to find out more.