Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer and Pap test

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable female cancers.

The screening test for cervical cancer is called a Pap test. This test detects early cell changes in the cervix. During a Pap test, a small cell sample is removed from the cervix. Cells are looked at under a microscope to see if they are normal or abnormal.

Who needs a Pap test?

• Women who are or have ever been sexually active have a pap test starting at age 21.
• Pap tests should be done every three years.

For more information visit Cancer Care Ontario Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines, and watch the video Pap Test - A step-by-step look at what happens during the test  from the Southwest Regional Cancer Program. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

There are strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer. There is now a vaccine that is almost 100% effective in preventing infection from HPV viruses that are responsible for over 70% of cervical cancers.

The HPV vaccine is offered to grade 7 students as part of the voluntary school-based immunization program. The HPV vaccine does not replace the need for Pap tests. 

Resources

So How's Your Cervix Doing (video) - Southwest Regional Cancer Program - Promotes the importance of cervical cancer screening.