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Cervical Cancer Screening. October 2011. What do you know about cervical cancer screening?. Where is the cervix?. What is a Pap test?. Can find abnormal changes on the cervix. Treating early changes can prevent cancer of the cervix. The Pap test is free.
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Cervical Cancer Screening October 2011
What is a Pap test? • Can find abnormal changes on the cervix. • Treating early changes can prevent cancer of the cervix. • The Pap test is free.
What causes abnormal changes on the cervix? • HPV (Human Papillomavirus) • HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) • You can pass this virus without knowing it to men or women
HPV • HPV can cause abnormal changes on a woman’s cervix • Sometimes abnormal changes can become cancerous. • A Pap test can find these abnormal changes before they turn into cancer.
Do I need a Pap test? • All women who have ever been sexually active (sexual intercourse and intimate touching), regardless of sexual orientation, should have regular Pap tests.
When should I have a Pap test? • Pap testing should begin 3 years after first sexual activity • Most women need a Pap test every two years.
What should I do before a Pap test? • Schedule your Pap test • after your period has stopped completely. • Two weeks after treatment for any cervical or vaginal infection. • Do not use tampons, douches, creams and/or foams for 48 hours before your Pap test.
What should I do before a Pap test? • Try not to have sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the test. • If you need a repeat Pap test, you should wait at least 3 months in order to allow cells on the cervix to grow back.
What is the HPV vaccine? • The HPV vaccines protect against certain types of HPV which cause cervical cancer. • The vaccines do not treat existing HPV infections. • If you receive the vaccine, you still need regular Pap tests.
Where can I go for a Pap test? • Ask your doctor or nurse • Contact your local health centre • Visit our website under “Where can I go for a Pap test? • TellEveryWoman.ca
Remember… • Most cervical cancers can be prevented if women have regular Pap tests with follow-up for abnormal changes.