Cervical Cancer Screening
The Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP) recommends that most people aged 25 to 69 who qualify for cervical cancer screening get screened every 5 years through HPV testing. This screening interval is just as effective as Pap tests every 3 years because the newer test is better at detecting early signs of cancer. Screening more often doesn’t add benefits and can lead to false alarms, extra procedures, and unnecessary stress.
Recent Changes!
As of March 3rd, 2025, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing has replaced the Pap test. It is more effective at preventing and detecting cervical cancer. The test itself is similar to a Pap test. A healthcare provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, or nurse) will use a small, soft brush to collect cells from the cervix. These cells are sent to a lab to check for types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
What is HPV?
How Can I Understand My Personal Risk?
HPV is a family of viruses. There are more than 100 types of HPV and they can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. With some types of HPV, these cell changes can turn into cervical cancer over time if they are not treated. These viruses are passed from one person to another through skin to skin sexual contact, which includes any time another person has contact with your genitals (including with their hands, mouth, or genitals). Most people are not aware that they have it.
Cervical cancer risk factors vary from person to person. To understand your personal risk, you can complete the My CancerIQ Cancer Risk Questionnaire. This online tool takes about 15 minutes to complete and is available in both English and French.
After completing the assessment, you’ll receive a personalized risk assessment and action plan with tips and resources based on your personal risk factors.
How Can I Get Screened?
What Happens After a HPV Test?
Normal Result
If your HPV test result is normal, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program will:
- Send you a letter with your result by mail.
- Notify your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
This means no further tests are needed, and you should continue screening every 5 years until age 69.
Abnormal Result
If your HPV test shows abnormal result, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program will:
- Send you a letter with your result by mail.
- Notify your family doctor or nurse practitioner about the result.
- Coordinate with your family doctor or nurse practitioner to schedule a colposcopy appointment.
What Does an Abnormal HPV Result Mean?
Having a type of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer does NOT necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. However, you might need an exam called cervical colposcopy, which is an exam done by a specialist doctor, such as a gynecologist.
During colposcopy, the specialist checks the cervix more closely to see if anything does not look normal. This test help doctors get a clearer picture and make sure any issues are properly assessed.
How Can I Prevent Cervical Cancer?
- Go for regular cervical screening tests
- Complete the recommended follow-up testing if you have an abnormal screening result
- Get HPV vaccine
Useful Resources
