Cervical cancer testing and prevention
Learn how to protect yourself from cervical cancer by getting a cervical screening test and seeing if the HPV vaccine is right for you.
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 will allow more people 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). 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 as it is covered by OHIP. The test checks:
- for types of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer
- cell changes in the cervix caused by these types of HPV
- 13 types of HPV that are responsible for 98% of cervical cancers
The test does not check for types of HPV that do not cause cancer.
The HPV test is similar to a Pap test, with a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife using a small, soft brush to take cells from the cervix so the lab can test the cells for types of HPV 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
- 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.
Most people can stop cervical screening from age 65 to 69. Some people may get cervical screening tests after age 69 if their health care provider advises they need to.
If you have had a hysterectomy, you should talk to your health care provider to see if you need to continue cervical screening.
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
- 3 years if you have a weakened immune system, for example, if you are living with HIV/AIDS or have had an organ transplant
- 2 years, for those with a history of positive cervical screening results
How to get tested
It’s easy to get tested. 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.
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 find one by calling
How to prepare
Try to book your cervical screening test on a day when you do not have your period.
For 48 hours before the test, do not have sex or use tampons, creams or medicines in your vagina. If this cannot be avoided, still go for a test.
After your cervical screening test
The practitioner who did your test will get a copy of your result and can answer any questions you may have. They can also talk with you about next steps. You will also receive letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) that:
- share your result and remind you to follow up with your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife
- invite you to start cervical screening
- remind you when your next test is due
Cervical colposcopy
Having a type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but you may need an exam called cervical colposcopy (sounds like call-posska-pee).
Cervical colposcopy 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 colposcopy can help you avoid getting cervical cancer.
Abnormal cervical screening test
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 see a specialist for more tests.
If you do not want to receive letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), call
Read more about cancer screening letters.
Learn more about what happens after a cervical screening test.
Tips to reduce your risk
- go for regular cervical screening tests every 5 years
- see if the HPV vaccine is right for you
- use a condom
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.