Cervical Cancer Screening
The goal of cervical screening is to find cell changes in the cervix before they become cancer.
The Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP) is a province-wide screening program that provides people with a cervix with access to comprehensive, coordinated, high-quality cervical screening.
OCSP Eligibility
Currently, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that anyone with a cervix (women, transmasculine and nonbinary people) who is or ever has been sexually active have a cervical screening test every five years starting at age 25. If you are under 25, talk to your primary care provider about whether you should wait until age 25 before starting cervical screening.
Eligible people need to get cervical screening even if they:
- feel healthy and have no symptoms
- are no longer sexually active
- have only had one sexual partner
- are in a same-sex relationship
- have been through menopause
- have no family history of cervical cancer
- have received the HPV vaccine
Most people can stop cervical screening from ages 65 to 69. Some people may get cervical screening tests after age 69 based on their medical history or screening test result history.
Where to Get Screened
Visit your health care provider or one of the locations listed below. Individuals living in First Nations communities can contact their nursing station or health centre.
Screen for Life Coach
Locations throughout Thunder Bay and the region
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6V4
(807) 684-7777 or 1-800-461-7031
www.tbrhsc.net/screenforlife
Thunder Bay District Health Unit
Sexual Health Clinic
999 Balmoral St.
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6E7
(807) 625-5976
Northwestern Health Unit
Find a location near you: https://www.nwhu.on.ca/our-services/sexual-health/sexual-health-clinics/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is a body part that connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina (genital opening).
What is the cervical cancer screening test?
The cervical screening test checks for types of HPV that can sometimes cause cervical cancer. It also checks for cell changes in the cervix caused by these types of HPV. The test does not check for other types of HPV. The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test because it is better at helping prevent cervical cancer.
The cervical screening test feels like getting a Pap test. A doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife will use a small, soft brush to take cells from the cervix so the lab can test for cancer-causing types of HPV and cell changes.
Who should be screened for cervical cancer?
The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that anyone with a cervix between ages 25 to 69, who is or ever has been sexually active, have a cervical screening test every five years. Some eligible people may need to get screened more often, based on their medical or screening history.
What causes cervical cancer?
The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is passed between people through sexual contact with another person. HPV infections can sometimes cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Over many years, these cell changes can sometimes lead to cervical cancer. However, these cell changes can be treated before they can cause cervical cancer.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with regular screening, appropriate and timely follow-up of abnormal cervical screening test results, and getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization. Visit MyCancerIQ.ca. This free online tool can help you assess your cancer risk and help reduce it.