Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow, lower part of the uterus (or womb) that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer starts to develop when the cells of the cervix change and become abnormal. These abnormal cells are precancerous, meaning they are not cancer.

Precancerous changes to the cervix are called cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia of the cervix is a common precancerous change that can develop into cancer if it is not treated. The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV (human papillomavirus).

Sources: Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Canadian Cancer Society, Government of Ontario

Cervical cancer screening (Ontario Health, Cancer Care Ontario) can detect early cell changes on the cervix caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. These changes often do not cause any symptoms, but, if left untreated, can progress to cancer.

A Pap test is the test used to screen for cervical cancer in Ontario. It is a quick and simple test done in a health care provider’s office. Cells are taken from the cervix and sent to a lab for examining. If your results are abnormal, you will be contacted by your health care provider. You will also receive a letter from the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP) (Ontario Health, Cancer Care Ontario) telling you if your test result is normal or abnormal.

In Ontario, any woman or transgender man who has a cervix, who is over the age of 21, and who has had sexual skin-to-skin contact should have a Pap test every three years. This contact includes intercourse, intimate touching or oral sexual contact. They may stop having a Pap test at the age of 70 if they have had at least three normal Pap tests in the past 10 years.

*It is important to note that the Pap test does not test for other cancers in the reproductive organs or for other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or HIV.

Use the Time to Screen Tool (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) to find out when you should be screened for cervical cancer.

Sources: Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Canadian Cancer Society, Government of Ontario

The surest way to prevent cervical cancer is to avoid any genital contact with another individual. Getting the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active helps protect against cervical cancer. The vaccine may also protect against future HPV infections if you are already sexually active. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk by:

• practicing safe sex
• having as few sexual partners as possible
• being in a monogamous relationship with someone who has had few sexual partners
• receiving regular Pap tests

Visit My CancerIQ (Ontario Health, Cancer Care Ontario) in order to determine your risks of developing cervical cancer.