Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screening

Cytology (Pap test)

Additional tests

Cervical cancer screening covers all women between the ages of 21 and 65 who have ever had sex. With HPV vaccination, screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer.

Screening aims to detect cancer when it is at an early stage, in order to increase the chances of recovery. Screening can also reveal the presence of abnormalities, called "precancerous lesions", on the cervix. Detecting these lesions early helps monitor and, in some cases, treat them before they turn into cancer.

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The usual screening test is cytology, also known as a “Pap test”. It is performed by a health professional, either a doctor, a nurse, a specialized nurse practitioner, or a midwife. If necessary, the health professional can then order one or more additional examinations.

The health professional also performs an examination of the genitals when performing cytology or additional tests.

Cytology (Pap test)

Cytology is a few-minute test that takes cells from the entrance to the cervix to see if they are normal.

Having cytology is a personal choice. It is important to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of cytology screening so that you have all the information you need to make a decision.

The procedure of a cytology

The speculum is an instrument that keeps the edges of the vagina apart. This allows the healthcare professional to better see the cervix, which is located at the bottom of the vagina, and reach it to take cells from it. He uses a small brush or wooden spatula to lightly rub the surface of the cervix. It then sends the cells thus taken to the laboratory, where they will be analyzed.

When receiving the results, the healthcare professional does the appropriate follow-up.

Recommended screening frequency

Women 21 to 65 years of age should have a cytology every 2 to 3 years. The health professional suggests that women over the age of 65 continue or stop screening according to their specific situation and the results of their last screening tests.

The transformation of precancerous lesions of the cervix into cancer is slow. Having a cytology every 2 to 3 years, therefore, allows effective screening and avoids unnecessary examinations.

Pass cytology

To have cytology, consult your healthcare professional. Some CLSCs, family medicine groups (GMF), and clinics also offer this service. You can contact these resources to find out if you can go there to have cytology. You can look up their contact details in the Find a resource section.

Additional tests

After reviewing the results of cytology, the healthcare professionals may need more information. In this case, he can advise the woman to have new cytology or prescribe one or more additional examinations:

an oncogenic HPV test;

a colposcopy.

The choice of the examination depends on the results of the cytology and the specific situation of the woman.

Oncogenic HPV detection test

The oncogenic HPV test is used to detect the presence of the cervix of certain types of HPV that can promote the development of cancer.

This test can be prescribed by the healthcare professional when the result of the cytology is uncertain.

Oncogenic HPV detection test procedure

The healthcare professional collects cells from the cervix in the same way as for cytology. He then deposits the cells taken in a liquid and sends them to the laboratory, where they will be analyzed.

The healthcare professional will then suggest the appropriate follow-up based on the test results.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is an examination that involves looking at the cervix precisely to find lesions. This exam lasts an average of 10 minutes. The doctor uses a colposcope, an instrument to see an enlarged image of the cervix, like a magnifying glass. In some healthcare establishments, the colposcope is connected to a screen. This allows the woman to follow the progress of the exam while the doctor does it.

A course of a colposcopy

The doctor uses a speculum to keep the edges of the vagina apart. He then applies substances to the cervix that will allow him to more easily spot lesions with the colposcope.

Biopsy

If the doctor needs more information about the obs lesions