Cervical Screening Program - HPV Screening & Colposcopy
Cancer Care and Sexual Health
Provided by BC Cancer
Early detection of cervical cancer with HPV screening.
Cervix screening in BC is transitioning from cytology (Pap test) to HPV testing as the primary screening method. HPV testing looks for the virus that causes cervical cancer. It can find people who are more likely to develop abnormal cell changes caused by HPV.
If eligible, patients can choose to collect their own sample from their vagina (cervix self-screening) for HPV testing. Patients can also continue to have a provider-collected liquid-based cytology (Pap test sample for cervix screening. Liquid-based cytology samples may be used to look for cell changes on the cervix or may be used for HPV testing. This will depend on the patient’s age and clinical history.
SCREENING ELIGIBILITY:
Anyone with a cervix, including women and TTGD (Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse) people, between the ages of 25 and 69, should screen for cervical cancer every three or five years.
Anyone with a cervix, including women and TTGD (Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse) people, between the ages of 25 and 69, should screen for cervical cancer every three or five years.
Individuals should still screen regularly for cervical cancer if they have:
- Had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Ever had any sexual contact with another person of any gender, even if you are not sexually active right now; and/or
- Been through menopause
Individuals do not need to screen for cervical cancer if:
- They have any symptoms, like bleeding between periods.
- They don't have a cervix (such as total hysterectomy).
- Talk to a health care provider to see if cervix screening is still required.
Individuals should screen for cervical cancer using a Pap test if:
- They're pregnant or using a pessary.
- See a health care provider to discuss cervix screening options and when to screen.
Cervix screening can be stopped at age 69 if Pap test results have always been normal. A health care provider should be consulted if there has been treatment for pre-cancer cells in the past.
CERVIX SELF SCREENING:
The test uses a small swab to take a sample from the vagina to look for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer. You can do it wherever you feel safe and comfortable, such as in your home or at a health care provider’s office.
The test uses a small swab to take a sample from the vagina to look for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer. You can do it wherever you feel safe and comfortable, such as in your home or at a health care provider’s office.
Eligible individuals who are due for screening can request a self-screening kit by phone (1-877-702-6566) or online by using the kit request form. The kit will arrive in a plain, unmarked envelope within approximately 2 weeks.
PAP TEST:
A Pap test may be recommended based on your health history or if certain types of high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) are found in your cervix self-screening sample. A Pap test can be done by a doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, midwife, or naturopathic doctor at their office or clinic. The test takes between 5 to 10 minutes.
A Pap test may be recommended based on your health history or if certain types of high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) are found in your cervix self-screening sample. A Pap test can be done by a doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, midwife, or naturopathic doctor at their office or clinic. The test takes between 5 to 10 minutes.
Individuals might need a Pap test if they:
- Recently completed cervix self-screening and had a positive HPV result
- Have a history of precancerous cells on your cervix
- Are pregnant or using a pessary
- Prefer to go to a health care provider for cervix screening
Location finder: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening...
604-707-5965 (Cervix Screening Client Services)
Toll Free: 1-877-702-6566
Public email: screening@bccancer.bc.ca
Website: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening...
#801, 686 West Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1G1
Cost: No cost
Referral options:
- Physician or nurse practitioner referral
Brochures and Info
- Cervix Self-Screening and Pap Test - Understanding your Results (BC Cancer)
- Cervix Screening - HPV Results and Colposcopy (BC Cancer)
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by BC Cancer:
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Victoria Oncology Intimacy & Sexual Health (VOIS) Clinic
- Find a Pap Clinic
- Sexual Health and Intimacy Clinic - Prince George
Availability
Service area: Province-wide + show cities
Ways to Access
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided at multiple locations
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.