Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer can be prevented. You don’t hear bold statements like that very often when it comes to cancer. But it’s true. Having a Pap test could save your life.
Screening for cervical cancer is done through a Pap test. Cervical cancer is easy to miss if you don’t get screened. It usually grows very slowly and has no symptoms in its early stages. Before cervical cancer, develops, the cells in the cervix start to change and become precancerous. Getting screened for cervical cancer is the only way to find these precancerous cells. It’s also the best way to catch cervical cancer when it’s most treatable.
Screening Recommendations
If you’re sexually active, you should start having regular Pap tests by the time you’re 21. You’ll need a Pap test every 1 to 3 years, depending on your previous test results. Even if you have stopped having sex, you should continue to have a Pap test. If you have had a hysterectomy, you may still need a Pap test, but talk to your doctor about whether this is necessary.
There are 2 ways your doctor can test for cervical cancer:
- Pap test: a laboratory examination of cells taken from your cervix to detect abnormal changes.
- Pelvic examination: A physical examination where your doctor feels your pelvic organs for anything unusual.
Know Your Risk
The most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer is infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is spread through genital skin-to-skin contact and the virus can appear years after you have been exposed to it. If you’re sexually active, you’ve likely been exposed to HPV at some time in your life.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Program
Cancer Care Nova Scotia’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (CCPP) is dedicated to decreasing the incidence of cervical cancer in the province of Nova Scotia. Its efforts are aimed at prevention, early detection and appropriate management of cervical cancer. For more information on the CCPP call toll-free: 1-866-599-2267
Join the fight
- Sign up for screening reminders.
- Use Facebook to tag the people you care about and encourage them to get screened.
- Invite your friends and loved ones to sign up for screening reminders.
- Share your story and encourage other Nova Scotians to get screened.
For general cancer screening information call the toll-free Cancer Information Service 1-888-939-3333