Changes to the Pap test

As of March 2025, the Pap test has been replaced with a new, more accurate cervical screening test. This test is better at helping prevent cervical cancer and most people will only need to be screened every 5 years.

About cervical cancer

The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening). Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix.

Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that is passed from one person to another through sexual contact. There are more than 100 types of HPV and they can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. With some types of HPV, these cell changes can turn into cervical cancer over time if they are not treated.

HPV infections:

  • are common and usually have no signs or symptoms
  • will often go away on its own without doing any harm

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with the HPV vaccine, regular cervical screening, and appropriate and timely follow-up of abnormal results.

Learn more about cervical cancer.

How the cervical screening test works

There is no cost for the cervical screening test for people who are eligible for screening through the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP). The test checks for:  

  • types of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer
  • cell changes in the cervix caused by these types of HPV

The test does not check for types of HPV that do not cause cancer.

The cervical screening test feels like getting a Pap test. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife will use a small, soft brush to take cells from the cervix so the lab can test the cells for types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and abnormal changes in the cells.

Who should and should not get tested

People are eligible for cervical screening if all of the following apply:

  • have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) number
  • are at least 25 years old
  • are a woman, Two-Spirit person, transmasculine person or nonbinary person with a cervix
  • have ever had sexual contact with another person
  • do not have symptoms, like different bleeding or discharge (clear or yellow fluid) from the vagina (genital opening)
  • are due for cervical screening, as per the Ontario Cervical Screening Program’s recommendations

You should still get screened if you:

  • have had the HPV vaccine
  • feel healthy
  • have been through menopause
  • have not had any family members with cervical cancer
  • have had sexual contact with only one person
  • have had the same sexual partner for a long time
  • have not had sexual contact in a long time
  • are in a same-sex relationship

Who does not need to get tested

You do not need cervical screening if you are under 25, even if you have had sexual contact.

Most people can stop cervical screening from age 65 to 69. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife can help you decide if you should still get screened after age 69.

If you have had a hysterectomy, you should talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner to see if you need to continue cervical screening.

Learn more about what to expect when going for a cervical screening test.

When to get tested

It is recommended that you have a cervical screening test every:

  • 5 years, for most people with a history of normal cervical screening test results
  • 3 years, for people with a weakened immune system, for example, if you are living with HIV/AIDS or have had an organ transplant
  • 2 years, for people with a recent history of abnormal cervical screening test results or who have been discharged from colposcopy to a 2-year screening interval

How to get a cervical screening test

Book an appointment with your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife.

Some public health units, sexual health clinics and community health centres also provide cervical screening tests. Call a location near you to see if they offer cervical screening tests.

To find Indigenous primary health care organizations, visit Indigenous Primary Health Care Council and Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario. 

People in the North West and Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant regions may be able to get tested in one of Ontario Health’s (Cancer Care Ontario) mobile screening coaches.

If you do not have a doctor or nurse practitioner, you can use Health811 any time to find a clinic that offers cervical screening tests:

Learn more about how to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

After your cervical screening test

You will receive letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) by mail that:

  • share your result and remind you to follow up with your doctor,  nurse practitioner or midwife
  • remind you when your next test is due

The doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife who did your test will also receive a copy of your result and can answer any questions you may have. They can also talk with you about next steps.

For more information about your cervical screening test result, you can visit the web page listed in your cervical screening test result letter.

Learn more about what happens after a cervical screening test.

Abnormal cervical screening test result

An abnormal cervical screening test result means you have a type of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer. It does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but it does mean you may need additional testing.

If you have an abnormal cervical screening test result, it’s important to connect with your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife to discuss next steps. You may need to repeat a cervical screening test in 2 years or be sent for an exam called a cervical colposcopy.

Cervical colposcopy

Cervical colposcopy (sounds like call-poss-ka-pee) is an exam done by a specialist doctor, such as a gynecologist. During colposcopy, the specialist checks the cervix more closely than during a cervical screening test to see if anything does not look normal. Getting cervical colposcopy can help you avoid getting cervical cancer.

Tips to reduce your risk

  • Go for regular cervical screening tests
  • Complete the recommended follow-up testing if you have an abnormal screening result
  • See if the HPV vaccine is right for you

HPV vaccine

Getting the HPV vaccine helps protect against cervical cancer. Getting the vaccine before becoming sexually active provides the greatest protection. The vaccine may also protect against future HPV infections if you are already sexually active, as the vaccine protects against 9 different types of HPV.

Getting vaccinated will not treat or cure an existing HPV infection. If you get the HPV vaccine, you still need regular cervical screening to catch early cervical changes from an HPV infection that may lead to cancer.

Ontario students in Grade 7 can get the vaccine for free through a school-based HPV vaccination program. Students have until the end of grade 12 to complete their HPV immunization series, should they have missed any doses of the HPV vaccine in grade 7.

The HPV vaccine is available outside of the school program for a cost. Some private health plans cover the cost of the vaccine.

Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner to see if the HPV vaccine is right for you.