Cancer Care Ontario has introduced a new and improved cervical screening test that uses human papillomavirus (HPV) testing to better detect and prevent cervical cancer. This updated test is more accurate than the traditional Pap test, which means most people can safely wait longer between screenings. This is a major step forward in making cervical cancer prevention easier and more effective for eligible individuals.

 

What Makes This Test Different?

The new cervical screening test checks for specific types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. It also looks for any changes in cervical cells that may be caused by these high-risk HPV strains. Unlike previous tests, it does not screen for HPV types that don’t lead to cervical cancer. The process of getting the test feels the same as a Pap test—your healthcare provider will use a small, soft brush to collect a sample of cells from your cervix for lab testing.

Who Should Get Screened?

Cervical screening is recommended for anyone who:

  • Has a cervix, including women, Two-Spirit people, transmasculine individuals, and nonbinary people.
  • Is 25 years or older.
  • Has ever had sexual contact with another person.
  • Does not have symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.

It’s important to get screened even if you:

  • Have received the HPV vaccine.
  • Feel completely healthy.
  • Have gone through menopause.
  • Have no family history of cervical cancer.
  • Are in a same-sex relationship.
  • Have only had one sexual partner or have not been sexually active in a long time.
  • Most eligible individuals will now only need to be screened every five years. However, some may require more frequent screening depending on their medical history. Most people can stop screening between the ages of 65 and 69, but this may vary based on previous test results.

Unsure of your risk?

Click here to visit My Cancer IQ

Developed by Ontario Health, My Cancer IQ is a tool that helps Ontarians to assess their risk and learn what steps to take to reduce the risk of certain cancers.

How to Get Screened

You can get the new cervical screening test by making an appointment with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife. If you don’t have a regular healthcare provider, you can find a clinic offering cervical screening through:

The Mobile Cancer Screening Coach that comes to Brantford and Simcoe once a month.  To find out more, click here.

Searching for “cervical screening test” at ontario.ca/healthservices

Calling 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007)

Using the live chat feature at ontario.ca/health811

Getting Your Results

After your test, your healthcare provider will receive the results from the lab, and Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) will mail you a letter with your test results. If follow-up is needed, your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps.

Stay Informed, Stay Healthy

Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening.

This new test makes it easier to detect risks early and take action before cancer develops. For more details on cervical screening and how to book your test, visit ontariohealth.ca/cervical-test.