Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommends cervical cancer screening once every three years, or as your healthcare provider recommends, for women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69 who are or have been sexually active.
A Pap test checks for abnormal cells in your cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer. Pap tests can also check if you already have cervical cancer. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. Regular Pap tests and follow-up care can prevent about 90 percent of cervical cancer cases.
It’s important to have regular Pap tests, even if:
- You feel healthy and have no symptoms of cervical cancer
- You’ve only had one sexual partner
- You’ve had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- You’ve been through menopause
- You’re no longer sexually active
- You’re a lesbian, bisexual, or queer woman
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization
HPV is a virus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can cause genital warts and certain cancers. An HPV infection will often go away on its own. However, some people get a long-term infection. This can lead to cancer of the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus, mouth, or throat. HPV causes almost all cervical cancers.
You can prevent cervical cancer by getting immunized with the HPV-9 vaccine. The HPV-9 vaccine protects against nine strains (types) of HPV. Some of these strains may cause up to 92% of cervical cancers.
Grade six students can get the HPV-9 vaccine as part of the school immunization program. Students can only be immunized in school with a parent or caregiver’s permission (consent).
If you did not get the HPV-9 vaccine in Grade six, you can still get it for free up to and including age 26 years. Talk to your doctor to find out if it is a good idea for you. If you are unsure about getting the HPV vaccine for yourself or your child, try the HPV Vaccine Decision Tool.
Other Ways to Reduce Your Risk
Regular cervical cancer screening and vaccination help lower the chances of getting cervical cancer and finding it early. You can also reduce your risk by:
- Quitting commercial tobacco and avoiding second-hand smoke. Talk to your healthcare provider or visit AlbertaQuits.ca for information and supports to help you quit when you are ready.
- Practice safer sex. Use a barrier method of protection such as a condom, internal condom, or dental dam.
Get Screened and Raise Awareness
Contact your healthcare provider’s office or a women’s health clinic to book a Pap test. If you do not have a healthcare provider:
- Visit https://albertafindadoctor.ca/
- Use the screeningforlife.ca locator tool and select “cervical” as the type of test to find screening options near you
- Call Health Link at 8-1-1
Learn more about cervical cancer at https://screeningforlife.ca/cervical/.
