Cervical Cancer Screening

October 2011

What do you know about

cervical cancer screening?

Where is the cervix?

What is a Pap test?

Can find abnormal changes on the

cervix.
Treating early changes can prevent
cancer of the cervix.
The Pap test is free.

What causes abnormal

changes on the cervix?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is a common sexually

transmitted infection (STI)

You can pass this virus without
knowing it to men or women

HPV
HPV can cause abnormal changes on

a womans cervix
Sometimes abnormal changes can
become cancerous.
A Pap test can find these abnormal
changes before they turn into
cancer.

Pap test

Do I need a Pap test?

All women who have ever been

sexually active (sexual intercourse

and intimate touching), regardless of
sexual orientation, should have
regular Pap tests.

When should I have a Pap test?

Pap testing should begin 3

years after first sexual

activity
Most women need a Pap
test every two years.

What should I do before a Pap test?

Schedule your Pap test
after your period has stopped

completely.
Two weeks after treatment for any
cervical or vaginal infection.
Do not use tampons, douches,
creams and/or foams for 48 hours
before your Pap test.

What should I do before a Pap test?

Try not to have sexual intercourse

for 24 hours before the test.

If you need a repeat Pap test, you
should wait at least 3 months in
order to allow cells on the cervix to
grow back.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccines protect against

certain types of HPV which cause

cervical cancer.
The vaccines do not treat existing
HPV infections.
If you receive the vaccine, you still
need regular Pap tests.

Where can I go for a Pap test?

Ask your doctor or nurse
Contact your local health centre
Visit our website under Where can I

go for a Pap test?

TellEveryWoman.ca

Remember
Most cervical cancers can be

prevented if women have regular Pap

tests with follow-up for abnormal
changes.

Any questions?