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All women should have a Pap test done by their healthcare
provider at least every 2 – 3 years. Women who are just
beginning to be sexually active should have one test every
year for three years. If tests are normal, they should begin
having them every 2 – 3 years.
A Pap test can detect changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous.
If the test shows abnormal cells on your cervix, it does not
mean you have cancer. There are many treatments available
for abnormal cells, and most of them go away on their own.
HPV Vaccine
Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is a very common virus that
can pass between two people during sexual contact. Some strains
of the virus cause genital warts, but other strains can cause
cervical cancer.
Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
- Sexual activity
- Multiple sexual partners
- Not having a regular Pap test
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The Ontario Government is now offering an HPV vaccine to
young women and girls beginning at age 12. This vaccine has
been proven to prevent HPV.
To learn more about the Ontario
Cervical Screening Program click here.
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