Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. For people with a cervix, cervical cancer screening is critical.
The goal of cervical cancer screenings is to find precancerous cell changes in the cervix. Cervical cancer is easier to treat when it is found early.
There are three ways that doctors screen for cervical cancer. They are:
- Pap test. Also known as a pap smear or cervical cytology. This test collects cervical cells to check them for changes. Left untreated, these changes can lead to cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes these changes.
- HPV test. This test checks cells for infection with high-risk types of HPV. These put a person at risk for developing cervical cancer.
- HPV/Pap test. This test combines the above two tests. It checks for both cervical cell changes and HPV.
Cervical cancer screening guidance varies by age and group. Your provider can help you decide which choices are best for you.
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that you should start having regular Pap tests by the time you're 25. You'll need a Pap test every 3 years or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Even if you are no longer sexually active, you should continue to have regular Pap tests. You should continue to be screened for cervical cancer until the age of 70. But if you are 70 and you have not had 3 negative Pap test results in the last 10 years, you should continue to be screened every 3 years until this is achieved.
A different schedule may make sense, depending on your health history.
Another way to prevent cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine. Health Canada recommends it for people age 26 and younger. If you’re 26 or younger and haven’t had the vaccine, be sure to discuss it with your care provider.