Pink October: Tests and Screenings You Should Know About for Women’s Health
A month to raise awareness. An opportunity to take action.
Every October, the pink ribbon takes over store windows, social media, and public events. Pink October is much more than a marketing campaign: it’s an annual reminder that prevention saves lives. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2026, approximately 32,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada—an average of 89 women per day.[1] Three out of four breast cancers can be cured when detected early through screening.[2]
But Pink October is also an opportunity to broaden the discussion. Women’s health isn’t limited to breast cancer. Various biological conditions common among women go undetected for years due to a lack of regular screenings. In this article, discover the tests and screenings that deserve your attention—in October and throughout the year.
Breast Cancer: What the Quebec Program Covers
In Quebec, the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) offers women aged 50 and older a free screening mammogram every two years, with no doctor’s prescription required.[3] The incidence rate of breast cancer in Quebec is 158.5 cases per 100,000 women, which is slightly above the Canadian average of 147.9.[4] However, screening participation rates remain low, and many eligible women do not take advantage of this program.
One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.[3] This figure illustrates just how effective and accessible screening mammograms—as simple as they may be—are as a preventive measure.
In September 2025, the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) recommended expanding screening to women aged 45 and older, estimating that this would lead to an average of 350 additional women being diagnosed each year.[4] This recommendation has not yet been incorporated into the official program, but it underscores the importance of discussing your personal situation with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of the disease.
The Thyroid: An Often-Overlooked Women’s Health Issue
Thyroid disorders disproportionately affect women. It is estimated that in Canada, women are up to eight times more likely than men to be affected by thyroid dysfunction.[5] Yet these conditions often go unnoticed for years, as their symptoms are mistaken for stress, fatigue, or the effects of aging.
Hypothyroidism often presents with persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold, mood swings, and hair loss. The Canadian College of Family Physicians recommends screening for thyroid dysfunction with a TSH test starting at age 35, and then every five years.[6] A simple TSH test can verify that the thyroid gland is functioning properly and allow for prompt treatment if a disorder is detected.
Iron Deficiency and Ferritin: A Widely Underestimated Problem
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, and women are the most affected. Menstruation, pregnancy, and certain life stages significantly increase iron requirements. The problem is that a deficiency can exist even before anemia develops, making it difficult to detect without targeted testing.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) recommends that asymptomatic women of childbearing age undergo a complete blood count (CBC) and ferritin testing every three years, especially those with heavy menstrual bleeding or who are planning a pregnancy.[7] Low ferritin levels may explain persistent fatigue, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating, even when all other blood test results appear normal.
Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: Risk Factors That Change With Age
After menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly in women. The decline in estrogen affects cholesterol metabolism, raising LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and lowering HDL (good cholesterol) levels. The risk of type 2 diabetes also increases with age.
A comprehensive lipid profile and a fasting blood glucose test can help assess these risks and allow for early intervention before cardiovascular complications develop. These tests are particularly recommended for women aged 40 and older, or earlier if risk factors are present.[6]
Vitamin D: A Nearly Universal Deficiency in Quebec During the Winter
Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health, the immune system, and mood regulation. Women, especially after menopause, are particularly vulnerable to its effects: a prolonged deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.[8]
According to Statistics Canada, about 40% of Canadians have insufficient vitamin D levels in the winter.[8] Health Canada recommends that women over 50 take a daily dose of vitamin D year-round. A blood test for 25-OH vitamin D in October allows you to check your levels before the sunless months set in and adjust your supplementation if necessary.
Women’s Health, All Year Long
Pink October is the perfect opportunity to take action. But prevention doesn’t end on October 31. The tests described in this article—TSH, ferritin, FSC, lipid profile, blood sugar, and vitamin D—all provide valuable insights into your overall health, and most can be included on a single order form during a routine medical checkup.
Fall is the perfect time to take action. Talk to your doctor, get your prescription, and come see us before the first winter viruses start circulating. At PRELEV, all your tests are completed in a single visit in less than 10 minutes. Our teams are available Monday through Friday, by appointment, at our clinics in Sherbrooke, Granby, and Saint-Hyacinthe.
Sources
Canadian Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Statistics in Canada (2026) — cancer.ca
Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program – Statistics and Data — depistagesein.ca
Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program – Participating in the PQDCS — depistagesein.ca
Radio-Canada – Breast Cancer Screening: Quebec Ranks Last in Screening Rates, INESSS Recommendations (October 2026) — ici.radio-canada.ca
Vitalité Québec – What if it were your thyroid? — vitalitequebec-magazine.com
Clinical Guide for Primary Care Nurses – Health Canada, Recommendations for Thyroid and Cardiovascular Screening — canada.ca
Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) – Diagnosis and Management of Iron Deficiency in Women (2025) — cmaj.ca
Statistics Canada – Vitamin D Levels Among Canadians — statcan.gc.ca
