By V Serve Canada

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Presented by V Serve Canada in association with @bell_letstalk, with the support of Sahara Senior Services, a recent healthworkshop brought together local Mississauga seniors for an engaging andempowering session on preventative care, early cancer detection, and long-termpeace of mind.

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The event featured Dr. Baldeep Chera, a Family Medicinephysician practicing in Mississauga with over 10 years of clinical experience.Dr. Chera holds a degree in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences from McMasterUniversity, completed her medical residency in the United States, and serves asa Board Member of the Primary Care Network, Co-Chair for Cancer Screening inMississauga Health, and Primary Care Lead for the Mississauga-Halton RegionalCancer Program through Cancer Care Ontario.

Overcoming the Fear of Getting Screened

A central highlight of Dr. Chera’s talk focused onaddressing the fear and anxiety thatoften prevent people—especially older adults—from booking routine cancerscreenings.

Many individuals avoid screening due to fear of findingsomething wrong, discomfort during procedures, or simply feeling overwhelmed bymedical settings. Dr. Chera reassured attendees that screening is designed for people who feel completely healthy and haveno symptoms.

Key takeaways shared during thesession included:

• EarlyDetection Saves Lives: Detecting cellular changes before symptoms developmakes treatment significantly simpler, less invasive, and far more effective.
• Knowledgeis Empowerment: Screening puts control back in the patient’s hands ratherthan leaving health to chance.
• Peace ofMind: The vast majority of routine screening results come back completelynormal, offering reassurance to individuals and their families.

Preventative Care Essentials: Cervical, Breast, Colorectal,Prostate & Lung Screening

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1. Cervical Cancer Screening

• Guidelines: Screening begins at age 25 for anyone with a cervix who hasever been sexually active.
• Frequency: Routine Pap tests areconducted every 3 years up to age69.

2. Breast Cancer Screening

• Self-Referralfrom Age 40: Ontarians aged 40 to 74can now self-refer for a free mammogram through the Ontario Breast ScreeningProgram (OBSP) every two years—without needing a doctor's referral.

3. Colorectal Cancer Screening (FIT Test Kits Delivered toYour Door)

• ConvenientHome Kits: For colorectal screening, testing kits (FIT - FecalImmunochemical Test) arrive directly inyour mailbox.
• Easy& Private: The test is painless, takes only a few minutes to completein the privacy of your home, requires no diet changes, and can be returnedeasily by mail in a pre-paid envelope or dropped off at participatingpharmacies/labs.
• RecommendedAge: Eligible adults ages 50 to 74(or starting at 45 based on updated guidance) at average risk should complete aFIT kit every 2 years.

4. Prostate & Lung Cancer Screening

• Prostate Health: Shared decision-makingregarding PSA testing based on individual risk factors.
• LungScreening: Targeted high-risk lung cancer screening programs availableacross Ontario for eligible adults.

Navigating Care: No Family Doctor?

To support attendees who currently do not have a dedicatedfamily physician, Dr. Chera highlighted several accessible community healthchannels:

• AccessPrimary Care Mississauga: Local resources connecting region residents toprimary care providers and health teams.
• Black Health Mobile Health Clinic: A community-focused mobileclinic providing culturally affirming primary care, screening, immunizations,mental health counselling, and chronic disease support directly acrossBrampton, Mississauga, and Caledon.
• Health811 (Ontario Health): Ontario's 24/7 free line (811) connecting residents withregistered nurses for medical guidance, screening requests, and local clinicnavigation.

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Community Connection & Looking Ahead

The workshop provided a warm, welcoming space where seniorsactively engaged, asked questions, and practiced mindfulness activitiestogether. By combining medical insights with compassionate community support, VServe Canada, Bell Let’s Talk, and Sahara Senior Services continue to breakdown barriers, reduce fear around healthcare, and promote longevity.

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