Cervical cancer often shows no symptoms until it spreads. That's why regular screenings are crucial. Cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected in its early stages.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts on the surface of the cervix. It occurs when the cells in the cervix begin to change and develop into precancerous cells. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a virus that spreads through sexual contact.
Cervical cancer is among the most preventable and treatable cancers. The introduction of screening with the Papanicolaou test has resulted in significant decreases in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in Canada.
There is a vaccine for HPV, but it is not recommended for older adults in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that children and adults between the ages of 9 and 45 be vaccinated against HPV to help reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.
The Pap Test, also known as the Pap Smear, is the screening test used for cervical cancer. This test involves examining cells from the cervix under a microscope to identify any precancerous changes or abnormalities. Regular screenings can detect most cases of cervical cancer, with the goal of identifying cell changes before they develop into cancer.
Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations from the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care:
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