Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador have unveiled a new self-screening feature in the province’s MyHealthNL app. Starting this week, residents can self-refer for breast and colon cancer screenings without needing a doctor’s referral.
Lowered Age Thresholds Expand Access
Effective immediately, women aged 40 to 74 can self-refer for breast cancer screening. Colon cancer self-referrals are open to residents aged 50 to 74. Previously, breast cancer screening began at age 50.
“Residents will have another way to easily access preventive care and get timely guidance and follow-up information,” Health Minister Christa Lynn Howell told reporters. “Now you have the opportunity to make that happen in your own hands.”
Urgent Need in a High-Risk Province
Newfoundland and Labrador faces some of the highest cancer mortality rates in Canada. Dr. Pat Palfrey, head of the provincial Department of Health Services, stressed how vital expanded screening is for improving life expectancy.
“We have the highest colon cancer mortality rate in the world right here in the province. So the availability of screening is really important,” Palfrey said.
Dr. Jerry McGrath, medical director of the provincial colon screening program, added, “Compared to the rest of Canada, the incidence rate is 50 percent higher and the mortality rate is almost 100 percent higher. People here are nearly twice as likely to die from colon cancer as other Canadians.”
How the App-Based Self-Referral Works
Sign in to the MyHealthNL app.
Select the breast or colon cancer screening option.
Complete a brief questionnaire to self-refer.
Receive an appointment letter by mail or a call from a health professional.
View results in the app or via secure email after your screening.
MyHealthNL also displays lab results, imaging reports, and links to health resources. To date, more than 131,000 users have registered, including over 40,000 through the mobile app.
Next Steps for Digital Health and Screening
Wednesday’s announcement marks the first phase of a broader plan to modernize cancer screening in Newfoundland and Labrador. Dr. Palfrey noted that future upgrades will allow residents who need ongoing surveillance to self-book follow-up appointments directly through the app.
“One of the main efforts of the cancer program is to make these screening programs more effective,” Palfrey said. “The whole purpose of this app is to help people get screened.”
As the province continues to expand digital health services, officials hope easier access will drive higher screening rates and, ultimately, save lives.
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