What is 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
Screening for cervical cancer
Cervical cancer screening (Ontario Health, Cancer Care Ontario) can detect early cell changes to 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.
When to initiate cervical screening
The Pap test looks for early warning signs of cervical cancer. In Ontario, a Pap test is recommended every three years for:
- Anyone with a cervix, who is 25 years of age or older, asymptomatic who are or have ever been sexually active.
- Exception: anyone with a cervix that is immunocompromised and are or have ever been sexually active can begin screening at the age of 21.
Cessation
A person can stop having a Pap test at the age of 70 if they have had at least three normal Pap tests in routine screening in the previous 10 years.
*Please note that the Pap test does not detect other cancers in the reproductive organs or for other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.
Sources: Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Canadian Cancer Society, Government of Ontario
Reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer
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:
- practising 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) to determine your risks of developing cervical cancer.