Cervical cancer screening

There are over 7,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Manitoba every year, and over 3,000 deaths. Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable, but only because of routine screening, follow up monitoring, and the HPV vaccine. Manitoba still has about 50 cases of cervical cancer every year, most in people who have not had a pap test.

Who should get screened?

Routine screening is recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 69, if you have ever been sexually active. Gender-diverse individuals who have a cervix should get screened as well. 

Sexual activity includes skin-to-skin contact between one person’s genital area and another person’s genital, anal or oral area. It also includes sharing sex toys with another individual.

If you are pregnant and due for a pap test, it is considered very safe and still recommended. 

If you have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus/​womb) you may not need a pap test.

How often should I get screened?

Generally, routine screening is recommended every 3 years.

Some individuals may be at increased risk and need screening more often. This includes individuals who have had pre-cancer in the past, a diagnosis of HIV, or have received immunosuppressive therapy. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be at increased risk.

If you are 70 or older, talk to your doctor if you should continue to get screened for cervical cancer.

What does screening involve?

Getting screened means being tested before you have any symptoms. Testing finds abnormal cells before they can turn into cancer, or detects cervical cancer early when it is easier to treat.

Getting screened, or tested, for cervical cancer involves a Pap test, also called a Pap smear. This involves a speculum exam (metal or plastic device in the vagina, to see the cervix) where cells are sampled and sent to a lab for testing. You can watch a video here that describes the procedure.

Results are usually available from your doctor within a couple of weeks or you can request a copy from CervixCheck.

A normal result means your risk of cancer or precancer is low. You should repeat the test in 3 years. One in 4 women will have an abnormal result during their lifetime. An abnormal test result does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it means you should follow up with your doctor as you may require additional testing or care.

If you have an abnormal result, the next step is a follow-up test called a colposcopy, where the health care provider will have a closer look at your cervix with a microscope. 

What if I have symptoms?

Screening is meant for people who do not have any symptoms. If you do have any of the following symptoms for three months or longer that could suggest cervical cancer, you should talk to your doctor about testing. 

The following symptom list is from CancerCare Manitoba:

Abnormal bleeding:

• unusually long or heavy periods,

• bleeding between periods,

• pain and/​or bleeding during or after intercourse

• bleeding or spotting after menopause

Abnormal pain:

• persistent pelvic pain that radiates down one or both legs

• pain during or after intercourse

Abnormal discharge:

• foul smelling discharge

Learn more

You can learn more about cervical cancer and screening from the resources below:

• CancerCare CervixCheck Information

• Watch this video from CancerCare

• Get Screened for Cervical Cancer from the Canadian Cancer Society