ALBERTA – The cervical screening test is now being routinely offered to those aged 50 to 69 in Alberta to check for high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer.
The cervical screening test is the new standard for cervical cancer screening in the province. Cervical cancer is preventable and almost always caused by HPV. Scientific evidence indicates HPV testing is the more effective way to identify cervical cancer, and many provinces and territories are already transitioning to this approach instead of pap tests for routine cervical screening.
HPV infections are common and usually do not cause symptoms, so most people do not know they have it. A majority of HPV infections are cleared by the body. However, certain HPV types do not clear and can cause cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
“By testing for high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer, patients who are at risk can be identified earlier and more accurately,” says Dr. Carolyn O’Hara, Interim Chief Laboratory Officer, Alberta Precision Laboratories. “This change strengthens the quality of cervical cancer screening across the province and supports better outcomes for patients through timely, evidence-based testing.”
Planning is also underway to expand the cervical screening test to Albertans ages 25 to 49. This group is currently offered regular Pap tests, which check for abnormal cells in the cervix that can lead to cancer. Pap tests are recommended every three years, while the cervical cancer screening test is recommended every five years. Once the new cervical screening test has expanded to ages 25 to 49, Alberta will no longer offer routine Pap tests.
“Whether you’re eligible for a Pap test or the cervical screening test, screening only takes a few minutes and can save lives. Getting screened regularly is the best way to find HPV or abnormal cervical cells early, before symptoms begin,” says Dr. Jack Pang, Medical Lead, Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program. “This change reflects strong scientific evidence and supports the goal of eliminating cervical cancer while ensuring Albertans have access to high-quality cervical screening.”
This cervical screening test was implemented in collaboration between the Government of Alberta, Primary Care Alberta and Alberta Precision Laboratories.
“Alberta is proud to lead the way in adopting high-risk HPV testing as the new standard for cervical cancer screening. This transition reflects our commitment to evidence-based healthcare and ensures that Albertans receive the most accurate and timely screening available,” Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “By identifying those at risk earlier, we are taking a significant step toward eliminating cervical cancer and supporting the lifelong health of our communities.”
The cervical screening test is done by a healthcare provider and only takes a few minutes. A sample is collected in the same way as a Pap test and sent to the lab for testing.
Contact your healthcare provider’s office or a women’s health clinic to book an appointment to get screened. If you do not have a healthcare provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner:
It’s important to continue to get screened, even if:
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. For more information on cervical cancer screening, visit screeningforlife.ca/cervical.
Primary Care Alberta is a made-in-Alberta solution to improve access to the primary care services Albertans rely on.
By delivering coordinated services, Primary Care Alberta enables healthcare providers to do what they do best -- care for Albertans. We meet Albertans wherever they live, work, play and learn, promoting prevention, supporting lifelong health journeys, and serving as a vital entry point to a complex network of care. Together, we are creating a future where compassionate, timely and effective healthcare is available to every Albertan at every stage of life.
