Starting at age 25
People with a cervix generally become eligible at age 25 if they have ever been sexually active. Sexual activity includes genital skin-to-skin contact, not only intercourse.
Ontario cancer screening
Who needs cervical screening, how HPV testing differs from a traditional Pap test and how to arrange it.
Contact the clinic for bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, unusual discharge, persistent pelvic pain or another new concern rather than waiting for routine screening.
People with a cervix generally become eligible at age 25 if they have ever been sexually active. Sexual activity includes genital skin-to-skin contact, not only intercourse.
Ontario now uses HPV testing for routine cervical screening. A cervical sample is collected, and the laboratory first checks for high-risk HPV.
The next screening interval depends on the HPV result, previous screening history and whether follow-up testing is required.
The age for stopping depends on previous results and whether Ontario’s program exit criteria have been met.
The collection experience is similar, but routine Ontario screening now begins with an HPV test. If high-risk HPV is found, the same sample may be examined further and follow-up is arranged according to the result.
Ontario cervical-screening information ↗Review when and where your last cervical test was completed and whether follow-up was recommended.
If you believe you are due, contact the clinic to arrange the appropriate appointment. Mention any previous abnormal result, colposcopy or treatment.
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