Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic (Previously known as Pap Clinic)
Program Overview
As of March 3, 2025, all new cervical cancer screening tests will include testing for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This change enhances the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening, as HPV is the primary cause of the cell changes in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer.
The experience of the screening test will remain the same for patients, as a sample of cells will still be collected from the cervix. The changes will mainly affect the results received and the subsequent steps.
Changes to the Screening Process:
- Screening will begin at age 25.
- Test results will be classified based on the presence of high-risk HPV strains.
- Individuals who test positive for high-risk HPV strains will be referred to a specialist for further testing (colposcopy).
- A negative test result will lead to a repeat screening after 5 years, rather than the previous 3-year interval.
Who Should Get Cervical Cancer Screening?
Cervical cancer screening is recommended for:
- Any person with a cervix (e.g., women, two-spirit individuals, trans individuals, or non-binary people with a cervix), AND
- Aged 25-69 years, AND
- Have ever had sexual contact with another person, AND
- At least 3 years since the last Pap test (sooner if the last result was abnormal).
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of common viruses that usually do not cause symptoms. These viruses are responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, as well as many other cancers, including those of the throat, anus, vagina, vulva, and penis.
Because HPV typically does not cause any symptoms, it is common for about 8 out of 10 people to contract it at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own without causing any problems. A person can have HPV for many years without knowing it; therefore, a positive test result does not mean that the person was recently infected. Only certain strains of HPV are associated with cervical cancer, which is why this new testing focuses on identifying high-risk strains to better screen for those at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should still get screened for cervical cancer even if:
- You have received the HPV vaccine.
- You have no family history of cervical cancer.
- You have had only one sexual partner.
- You are in a same-sex relationship.
- You have gone through menopause.
Appointment Details
Cervical Screening Clinics are available at the MVMC, led by our nursing team. Please call your primary care provider’s office to book an appointment.
Program Flyer
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