Anyone with a cervix, including women and TTGD (Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse) people, between the ages of 25 and 69, should screen for cervical cancer every three or five years.
You should screen regularly for cervical cancer if:
- You’ve had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- You've ever had any sexual contact with another person of any gender, even if you are not sexually active right now; and/or
- You’ve been through menopause
You do not need to screen for cervical cancer if:
- You have any symptoms, like bleeding between periods.
- You've had your cervix removed for any reason (such as total hysterectomy).
Talk to a health care provider to see if cervix screening is still required.
You should screen for cervical cancer using a Pap test if:
- You’re pregnant or using a pessary.
See a health care provider to discuss cervix screening options and when to screen.
You can stop cervix screening at age 69 if you’ve always had normal Pap tests. Talk to a health care provider if you’ve had treatment for pre-cancer cells in the past.
Screening is recommended for people with a cervix, including women and TTGD (Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse) people. If you do not have a cervix, we can update our records so you no longer receive future communications about cervix screening.
If you have any of the following speak to a health care provider. It is important to investigate these symptoms - even if your screening results are normal.
- Vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause
- Abnormal or increased vaginal discharge
- Unexplained pelvic pain or pain during sex