By Simran Kharod, RN BScN
You may have heard of the terms cervical cancer, HPV and Pap test, but what do they all mean?
Cervical cancer happens when cells in the cervix start to grow abnormally and out of control. This cancer is almost entirely caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In the past, Pap tests were used to check for signs of this cancer but since March 3, 2025, Ontario has shifted to a new method: the HPV test.
Whether you’re due for your next screening or just want to learn more about preventative health, understanding these recent changes can help you stay on top of your health game.
A cervix is the narrow, lower part of the uterus. It connects the uterus to the vagina and allows fluids to flow to and from the uterus.
What is HPV?
HPV is a virus that can infect different parts of your body. There are over 100 strains of HPV, and 75% of unvaccinated adults will get at least one strain at some point in their lives. HPV primarily spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity (like hand, mouth or genital contact with another person’s genitals). You can get HPV from another person even if they have no symptoms.
Most HPV infections are not dangerous and go away on their own, but some infections persist and can lead to cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a few high-risk strains of HPV.
Did you know? Only one third of HPV-related cancers grow in the cervix. HPV also causes most anal and throat cancers, and about half of all penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Using barrier protection, like condoms and dental dams, during sexual contact can decrease HPV exposure, but these methods are not 100% protective. HPV vaccination is the easiest and most effective way to reduce your chances of getting HPV.
What is cervical cancer screening?
Cervical cancer screening is done to detect it at the pre-cancerous stage when it is easier to treat. This is because cervical cancer grows slowly and, at first, has no symptoms or vague symptoms that mimic other conditions. As it grows, it becomes harder to treat.
The test is done the same way as a Pap test. Your healthcare provider uses a small brush to collect cells from the cervix, but instead of looking at the cells for changes, the labs will now test for high-risk strains of HPV.
What has changed about this screening, and why?
- The transition to HPV testing is because it is more accurate. Pap tests found individuals at risk of cervical cancer only about 55% of the time, while HPV testing finds them 95% of the time.
- Cervical screening now starts at age 25 instead of 21. Research shows that HPV infections in people under 25 tend to go away on their own without causing serious health issues.
- The time between screenings is now every five years if results are negative, instead of every three years. HPV tests can find those at risk much earlier and are more accurate than Pap testing, which means that for most people, testing can be done less often.
- This screening only checks for the high-risk strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. It does not check for low-risk strains, like the ones that cause genital warts.
Who can get cervical cancer screening, and where?
To be eligible for screening, you must:
- have a cervix;
- be over the age of 25;
- Have been sexually active, even if it was only with one person or a long time ago;
- have Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage; and
- have no symptoms of cervical cancer (like abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, bleeding after sex or pelvic pain).
While the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) doesn’t usually cover preventative cancer screening, determination is made on a case-by-case basis.
If you are eligible, you should be screened no matter your sexuality, number of sexual partners, time since last sexual activity, if you have the HPV vaccine, if you use protection during sexual contact or if you are pregnant or have gone through menopause.
You can get screened at your primary care provider’s office or at another sexual health clinic. For more information, check out York’s Student Health Healthy Living website or contact Health811.
Cervical cancer screening is a routine health check that can lead to early detection and better outcomes. Find out more information at Cancer Care Ontario.