Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is preventable.

99% of cervical cancers are caused by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a common virus that can spread through any form of sexual contact, including intimate touching, oral, vaginal and anal sex. Most people will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives. The majority of HPV infections are cleared by the body within 2 years and there are usually no symptoms, however, persistent infections with high-risk HPV types sometimes cause abnormal cell changes that can progress to cervical cancer over time, especially if left untreated.

Anyone aged 9 and older should consider getting the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is very effective at protecting against HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. Learn more at immunizebc.ca/hpv

Anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69, who has ever had sexual contact with another person of any gender should participate in cervical cancer screening.

Screening Options:

Pap test

  • Performed in a healthcare provider’s office.

  • An instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina and a sample of cells are collected directly from the cervix with a small brush or spatula.

  • The sample is tested for abnormal cells and/or HPV depending on the patient’s age and health history.

Self-screening HPV swab

  • Performed in a person’s own home or at a healthcare provider’s office.

  • A Q-tip like swab is used to collect a sample from the lower portion of the vagina.

  • The sample is tested for high-risk HPV types.

  • If negative for high-risk HPV, screening will be due again in 5 years.

  • If positive for high-risk HPV, further testing with either a Pap test or colposcopy (a visit with a gynecologist where the cervix is looked at more closely) will be needed.

Self-screening is not recommended in the following circumstances:

  • Bleeding after sex

  • Irregular bleeding between periods

  • Bleeding after menopause

  • Increased vaginal discharge

  • Pelvic pain or pain during sex

  • During pregnancy

  • Using a pessary

  • Or if specifically recommended to have a pap test due to previous cervical abnormalities

Patients can choose which method they want to screen with.

If you prefer to do the self-screening HPV swab, you can order a kit online (screeningbc.ca/cervix) or by phone (1-877-702-6566). A doctor’s visit is not required. 

You can view your cervical cancer screening results online at healthgateway.gov.bc.ca