cervical cancer screening october 2011. what do you know about cervical cancer screening?

Cervical Cancer ScreeningOctober 2011

What do you know about cervical cancer screening?

Where is the cervix?

What is a Pap test?• Can find abnormal changes on

the cervix.• Treating early changes can

prevent cancer of the cervix.• The Pap test is free.

What causes abnormal changes on the cervix?

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)• HPV is a common sexually

transmitted infection (STI)• You can pass this virus without

knowing it to men or women

HPV• HPV can cause abnormal

changes on a woman’s cervix• Sometimes abnormal changes

can become cancerous.• A Pap test can find these

abnormal changes before they turn into cancer.

Pap test…

Do I need a Pap test?• All women who have ever been

sexually active (sexual intercourse and intimate touching), regardless of sexual orientation, should have regular Pap tests.

When should I have a Pap test?• Pap testing should

begin 3 years after first sexual activity

• Most women need a Pap test every two years.

What should I do before a Pap test?• Schedule your Pap test–after your period has stopped

completely.–Two weeks after treatment for

any cervical or vaginal infection.

• Do not use tampons, douches, creams and/or foams for 48 hours before your Pap test.

What should I do before a Pap test?• Try not to have sexual

intercourse for 24 hours before the test.

• If you need a repeat Pap test, you should wait at least 3 months in order to allow cells on the cervix to grow back.

What is the HPV vaccine?• The HPV vaccines protect against

certain types of HPV which cause cervical cancer.

• The vaccines do not treat existing HPV infections.

• If you receive the vaccine, you still need regular Pap tests.

Where can I go for a Pap test?• Ask your doctor or nurse• Contact your local health centre• Visit our website under “Where

can I go for a Pap test?–TellEveryWoman.ca

Remember…• Most cervical cancers can be

prevented if women have regular Pap tests with follow-up for abnormal changes.

Any questions?