Screening: cervical cancer (cervix)

Cervical cancer is caused by an HPV infection (human papillomavirus).

How can you be screened for cervical cancer?

Screening with a Pap test is the only way to detect changes in the cells of a person’s cervix that can lead to cancer. That’s why it’s important to have regular Pap tests. Pap tests find changes in the cells that are caused by HPV infections. Those cell changes don’t usually cause any symptoms, but they can turn into cancer if they are not found and treated.

What can you do to reduce your risk of cervical cancer?

• Go for regular Pap tests.
• Go for follow-up testing if your Pap test result is abnormal (not normal).
• Consider getting the HPV vaccine.
• Use a condom. Condoms do not fully protect you from an HPV infection, but they can reduce the risk.

The risk of an HPV infection starts with sexual activity at an early age and increases each time you have a new sexual partner.

Where can I be screened for cervical cancer?

A Pap test can be done by:

• your health care provider
• Public Health Sudbury & Districts (if you do not have a family physician)

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This item was last modified on July 26, 2023