The Public Health Agency of Canada suggests that all men over the age of 50 get tested for prostate cancer. Although men who are over the age of 50 are at higher risk for the cancer, younger men who have a familial history of cancer should also be tested.
PSA testing is one of the tests used to check patients for prostate cancer, but not every province in Canada offers the test as a screening method. Talking to a medical professional is the best way to understand the options available for you, but for your convenience, we have compiled a list of services and eligibility criteria per province.
Alberta
PSA testing is free to men who have been referred by a doctor because there are clinical signs that they may have prostate cancer or for men who have previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Men who are not eligible for free testing and wish to be tested should refer to prostatecancercentre.ca. The Center invites men over 40 who have not had a PSA test in the past two years to attend one of their clinics for free testing. To find a clinic near you, go to the Man Van Tracker.
Prostate Cancer Centre
Southern Alberta Institute of Urology
Rocky General Hospital
6500-7007, 14 Street SW
Calgary, AB T2V 1P9
Tel: (403) 943-8888
Email: info@prostatecancercentre.ca
Twitter: @ProstateAlberta
Facebook: Prostate Cancer Centre
YouTube: Prostate Alberta
LinkedIn: Prostate Cancer Centre
British Columbia
PSA tests are not covered under the Medical Services Plan as a preventative or screening method. However, if prescribed by a doctor for at-risk or already diagnosed patients, it is covered. If you believe that you are at risk for prostate cancer, you should have a discussion with your healthcare provider about your testing options.
Manitoba
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool. For additional information, check with these two groups:
The Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group
New Brunswick
PSA testing is free to men who have been referred by a doctor because there are clinical signs that they may have prostate cancer, or men who have previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Once referred, the patient will be directed to a hospital lab where the test will be completed. For more information, contact:
Prostate Cancer Canada- New Brunswick
PCCN FREDERICTON
Stephen Patterson
Tel: (506) 454-9010
Email: spatters@unb.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool. For more information contact:
Newfoundland and Labrador Prostate Cancer Support Groups
Sue Hammond
Tel: (709) 697-2036
Email: hammond_so@yahoo.ca
Website: http://www.nlprostatecancersupport.org/
Northwest Territories
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool. For general inquiry you may call:
Canadian Cancer Society:
Toll-Free: 1-866-939- 3333
TTY- 1-866-786-3934
Email: info@cis.cancer.ca
Nova Scotia
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool. For more information call:
Prostate Cancer Canada- Nova Scotia
1809 Barrington St #810
Halifax, NS B3J 3K8
Tel: (902) 420-1444
Email: info@prostatecancer.ca
Nunavut
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Ontario
PSA testing is free to men who have been referred by a doctor because there are clinical signs that they may have prostate cancer, or men who have previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Men who are not eligible for free testing and wish to be tested should have a discussion with their healthcare provider about testing options.
For additional information, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care website.
Prince Edward Island
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Prostate Cancer Screening for men over 50 years old, must speak with a health provider about screening tests. A simple exam performed at the doctor’s office and PSA measurement (bloodwork) are the most reliable form of screening. For those who do not have a healthcare provider or for those seeking more information, call 1-888-561-2233.
Quebéc
PSA tests are not covered as a screening tool. If you believe that you are at risk for prostate cancer, you should have a discussion with your healthcare provider about your testing options. For those residing in the region of Québec, call the appropriate number for more information.
Québec (418) 646-4636
Montréal (514) 864-3411
Elsewhere in Québec 1 800 561-9749
787 Boulevard Lebourgneuf
Québec, QC G2J 1C3
Saskatchewan
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool. For general inquiries:
Government of Saskatchewan
Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch
Tel:(306) 787-3317
Fax: (306) 787-8679
Toll-Free: 1-800-667-7581 (800) 667-7581
Email dp.sys.support@health.gov.sk.ca
Mailing Address: 3475 Albert Street – 2nd Floor, Regina, SK, Canada, S4S
For additional information, visit the Ministry of Health Saskatchewan Ministry of Health
www.sasksurgery.ca/patient/prostatecancer.html.
Yukon
The PSA test is covered as a screening tool.