Cervical Cancer Screening (“HPV TEST”)

Cervical cancer screening is now performed primarily using the HPV test, which looks for the HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer. 

In the past, screening was done using the Pap test (cytology), which checks for abnormal cells after changes have already begun. 

Cervical cancer screening is recommended for people with a cervix (including women, Two-Spirit people, transmasculine people, and nonbinary people), who is within the eligible age range (25 to 65), even if you: 

• Feel healthy 
• Have had the HPV vaccine 
• Have only one partner or have not been sexually active recently (sexually active includes intimate touching, oral, vaginal, or anal sex) 
• Went through menopause 
• Are in a same‑sex relationship 

Screening is recommended for people with a healthy immune system between ages 25 and 65. 

If you are under 25, sexually active, or have a weakened immune system, different guidelines may apply. 

You should talk with your healthcare provider or care team about the right screening test and when you should start.

The HPV test is available through your local CMC by a healthcare professional.

• The HPV test detects high‑risk HPV types before cell changes occur. 
• If HPV is found, follow‑up testing (like cytology or colposcopy) can check whether it is causing harmful changes — and treatment can prevent cancer from developing. 
• Screening with an HPV test can help prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases through early detection and treatment. 

Regular screening saves lives because HPV usually has no symptoms. Finding it early means it can be treated before it causes cancer. You can also get the HPV vaccine to help prevent the virus.  

If your HPV test is normal: 

• Most people only need to be screened every 5 years. 
• Those with weaker immune systems (e.g., certain medical conditions or medications) may need screening every 3 years. 

This means less frequent testing with better protection. 

If your test shows HPV, do not worry. This does not mean you have cervical cancer. It simply means you need additional testing to get more information. 

Depending on your result, you may be advised to: 

• Repeat the HPV test in 12 months, or  
• Have a Cytology (Pap) test  
• Have a colposcopy.

A healthcare professional will ask you to lie down on your back on an exam table with your knees bent. Your heels may be placed in supports called stirrups. 

• The healthcare professional will gently place an instrument called a speculum in your vagina to help open it a bit wider. This is to help them see the inside of your vagina and your cervix.  
• Using a swab, they will collect a sample from your cervix. This procedure does not hurt. 
• The sample will be sent to the lab to be processed.  
• If the results are normal, you will be recommended to redo this test in 5 years for most people.  
• If the results are abnormal, your CMC will contact you for further tests to rule out precancer or cancer. 

The test usually takes just a few minutes. 

This service is offered at your local CMC; ask your PCCR, nurse or doctor. 

Talk with your PCCR, nurse or doctor for more information.