Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the eighth most common cancer in Ontario women.  It is the second most common cancer in women aged 35 to 49 and the third most common cancer for women aged 20 to 34.

The risk of cancer of the cervix increases with age, so it is important that women of all ages who have ever had sex (intercourse), have regular cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer is one of the more preventable cancers. Unlike other cancers, cancer of the cervix is largely preventable. Regular Pap tests can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases.

By taking steps to reduce your risk, and following screening guidelines, cervical cancer can be avoided or treated more easily in many cases.

What is Cervical Cancer?

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus leading into the vagina. Sometimes cervix cells change. Cervical cancer is an abnormality of the cells lining the surface of the cervix.

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly, over many years, often without symptoms or warning signs. Early changes in cervical cells are called abnormal cells, not cancer. These abnormal cells sometimes change back to normal on their own.

If left untreated, unhealthy cells will lead to cancer of the cervix. Pap tests can show unhealthy changes that can be treated before they become cancer.

What are the Risk Factors?

The Ontario Cervical Screening Program notes that the main risk factors for cervical cancer are:

• Sexual activity now or in the past.
• Sexual activity before age 18.
• Smoking.
• Multiple sexual partners.
• Infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Related to HPV infection, are a number of cofactors that may influence the development of pre-cancerous cell changes following HPV infections.

These include:

• Cigarette smoking.
• Poor eating habits.
• Weakened immune system (your own body's defenses).

What is a Pap Test?

Cervical cancer screening involves having a Pap test. A Pap test is a simple procedure taking only a few minutes to do. It's an easy way to find out if you have a healthy cervix, or if there are early cell changes that might develop into cervical cancer. This screening test is important because it can identify cervical cancer before symptoms occur. Then, if treatment is necessary, it can start early and is likely to be more effective.

How Often Should I Be Tested?

The following are the recommendations from the Ontario Cervical Screening Program for how often you should have a Pap test:

• Every year once you start having sex (intercourse).
  • Even if you haven't been sexually active for a long time, you still need to have regular Pap tests.
• Have the Pap test every year for the first three years.
  • If the results of your tests are normal three years in a row, then you should have a Pap test at least every two years after that to ensure good health.
• It is very important for older women to have regular Pap tests at least until the age of 70.
  • Changes in the cells of the cervix can happen in older women, even after menopause and even if there are no symptoms.

To view a short video on the importance of Pap Tests, visit the Ontario Cervical Screening Program website.

For more information, visit Health Canada's It's Your Health website.

Cervical Cancer Resources

Visit the Ontario Cervical Screening Program website to download the following available resources.

• What is a Pap test?
• A Fresh Look at an Old Test - I'm Over 50 so Do I Still Need a Pap?
• My Pap Test is not Normal, What Does This Mean?
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV and Cancer of the Cervix)

The above Fact Sheets are available in 15 languages.