Cervical Cancer Screening (Replacing Pap testing)

More effective, less often: HPV test replaces pap test for cervical screening in Ontario

HPV testing is now the standard for cervical screening, replacing the traditional Pap test as the primary method for detecting cervical cancer risk. This updated test looks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, rather than just abnormal cell changes. By identifying HPV earlier, the new screening method provides better prevention and protection, allowing for less frequent testing—typically every five years instead of three.

Please note: The new cervical screening (HPV) test still feels like a Pap test. Cells are collected from the cervix to test for high-risk HPV types and, if necessary, examined for cell changes.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system. It can take years for these changes to turn into cancer, but regular screening can help find and treat problems early, often before cancer develops.

How can I get checked for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer screening checks for types of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cell changes that can sometimes cause cervical cancer. Learn more about Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing from the Canadian Cancer Society and/or Cancer Care Ontario  

Who should get tested?

• If you are age 25 or older and

• If you are a woman, two-spirit person, transmasculine person or nonbinary person with a cervix, and

• If you have ever had sexual contact with another person. This includes any time another person has contact with your genitals (private parts) with their hands, mouth or genitals

• You still need screening if you’ve received the HPV vaccine. The vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of HPV You should still get screened if you:

• • Feel Healthy
  • Have been through menopause
  • Have not had any family members with cervical cancer
  • Have had sexual contact with only 1 person
  • Have had the same sexual partner for a long time
  • Have not had sexual contact in a long time
  • Are in a same-sex relationship

• Most people can stop cervical screening from age 65 to 69. Consult with your primary care provider to help you decide if you should still be screened after age 69

How often do I need a cervical screening?

• If your results are normal, schedule your cervical screening every 5 years

• • You may need cervical screening every 3 years if you are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system)

• If your results are positive for a high-risk type of HPV, you may need further examination called cervical colposcopy

Where and who can I contact for cervical screening?

You can book a cervical screening with your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Don’t have a health care provider? Call us at 1-800-922-0096 to speak to a Public Health Nurse and book an appointment.

• Email St. Thomas Sexual Health Services or book online at St Thomas sexual health clinics

• Email Woodstock Sexual Health Services or book online at Woodstock sexual health clinics

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