As of March 3rd, 2025, all new cervical cancer screening tests will test for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This change is to improve the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening tests as HPV is the main cause of the cell changes in the cervix that cause cervical cancer. The screening test experience is the same for patients, as a sample of cells will still be needed from the cervix. The changes will be in the results received and next steps.
Changes:
Screening now starts at age 25
Test results will be categorized based on high-risk HPV strain
Tests positive for high-risk HPV strain will be referred to specialist care for further testing (colposcopy)
A negative test result will be followed by 5-year repeated screening (instead of past 3-year intervals)
Who should get cervical cancer screening?
Any person with a cervix (ie. women, two-spirit, trans, or non-binary with a cervix), AND
Age 25-69 years old, AND
Have ever had sexual contact with another person, AND
3 years since your last pap test (if a normal result, possibly sooner if abnormal)
What is HPV? HPV is a group of viruses that are very common and usually cause no symptoms. These viruses are responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer as well as many other cancers such as cancers of the throat, anus, vagina, vulva and penis. As HPV usually does not cause any symptoms, it is very common with 8/10 people getting HPV at some point in their life. HPV normally goes away on its own without causing any problems. A person can have HPV for many years without knowing it, a positive test result does not mean that the person got HPV recently. Only some of the strains of HPV are linked to cervical cancer, which is why this new testing looks for the high risk strains to better identify those at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions You should still get screened for cervical cancer even if:
You have received the vaccine for HPV
You have no family history of cervical cancer
You have only had one sexual partner
You are in a same-sex relationship
You have been through menopause
What does a positive test result mean? As this new test is more sensitive than the previous pap tests, more people will receive positive test results than in the past. If you receive a letter that you have screened positive for a high-risk strain of HPV, your provider will also receive this notice, and you will be referred for colposcopy where a specialist will examine your cervix and conduct further testing. In some cases you will be instructed to redo the initial HPV test in 2 years, as your body is likely to have cleared the specific strains of virus you have by that time. Individual instructions regarding this process will be provided to you.
Your screening may differ if you are immunocompromised or have had a hysterectomy. Read more HERE and speak with your provider.
