Preventing Cervical Cancer
Did you know that regular Pap tests and follow-up care can prevent about 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases? A Pap test checks the cervix for any abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. When needed, these abnormal cells can be treated or carefully followed.
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infections are common and usually do not cause symptoms, so most people do not even know they have it. Even if you’ve been immunized for HPV, it’s recommended you start having Pap tests at age 25 years, or three years after becoming sexually active, whichever is later.
Pap tests are quick and can be done at your healthcare provider’s office or at a women’s health clinic. Regular screening means any abnormal changes can be followed closely to make sure they clear up or are treated. It’s important to attend any appointments for follow-up testing if recommended by your healthcare provider. The earlier abnormal changes are found, the easier they are to manage and the less likely they are to develop into cancer.
For those who are unsure of when they had their last Pap Test, or are due for another, please contact your physician or call Health Link at 811.
In addition to regular Pap tests, HPV immunization is an important tool in preventing HPV- related diseases. The HPV vaccine is offered to all Grade 6 students in Alberta schools who haven’t had HPV vaccine yet and works best in children and teens before they have any type of sexual contact. Some adults may also benefit from the HPV vaccine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if it’s a good idea for you.
For more information on cervical cancer screening, visit screeningforlife.ca.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to learn about cervical cancer — how to prevent or find it early. 

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 per cent 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 9 strains (types) of HPV. Some of these strains may cause up to 92% of cervical cancers.  

Grade 6 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 6, 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

Cervical health awareness month is an opportunity to learn more about your cervical health.  

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?Alberta Find a Doctor, or 

Use the?screeningforlife.ca locator tool?and select “cervical” as the type of test to find screening options near you, or 

Call Health Link at 811. 

Learn more about cervical cancer: https://screeningforlife.ca/cervical/