BC residents can now receive text and email cancer screening updates

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new way for B.C. residents to receive important information about cancer screening has just been announced.

According to a May 19th news release from BC Cancer, residents with Health Gateway accounts can now receive notifications via text and email regarding screening programs.

Health Gateway is a free, secure online portal for BC residents aged 12 and older. The portal allows residents to access information within their personal health record, including lab results and immunizations.

Residents can also view reminders for when it’s time to book a screening, as well as results for breast, colon, cervix and lung screenings. 

Notifications will be sent out when letters regarding breast, cervical, colon, and lung screening programs are added to their accounts, the release said.

Residents will receive notifications when a letter requiring action is added to their account. 

According to the release, this announcement follows BC Cancer’s 2024 addition of screening letters to Health Gateway. 

BC Cancer said the announcement will improve timely access to personal health information, while advancing the province’s digital health goals. 

BC Cancer also said it aligns with B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, which aims to prevent and detect cancer by improving screening services. 

“When it comes to cancer care, early detection can make all the difference,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new notification process will help more people receive timely screening reminders, making it easier to stay on top of their health, act sooner, and improve outcomes for patients across B.C.” 

According to BC Cancer, nearly 200,000 screening reminders and result letters are mailed to British Columbians each month. 

“With regular screening, you can find issues before symptoms appear,” said Dr. Fabio Feldman, Executive Director of BC Cancer’s prevention, screening and hereditary cancer program. “If you’re eligible, visit our website and find out how to get started. It only takes a few minutes and it can be life-changing.” 

BC Cancer said each of the province’s four screening programs has specific eligibility criteria based on age, risk level and health history.

It said cervical screening starts at age 25, breast screening begins at age 40, colon screening at the age of 50 and lung screening at age 55. 

More information on screening can be found on the BC Cancer website.