New cervical cancer screening test detects HPV before cancer can start

A cervical screening machine and bed is pictured. (Mike McDonald/CTV News)

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and according to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) regular screening and vaccination can stop it before it even starts.

With January being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the month of February being Cancer Prevention Month, RVH’s Hudson Regional Cancer Centre is reminding the public about the change in cervical cancer screening, which involves a test that looks for the virus that causes the cancer even before it shows up.

What is the new test?

Experts say nearly 99 per sent of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a virus that causes cervical cell changes and can live in the body for years without showing any symptoms. Many women are used to a traditional Pap test, a process that looks for abnormal cells after changes had already started. This new test looks for HPV directly.

“HPV screening allows us to test directly for the virus that causes pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix, making it a much more accurate screening tool,” said Dr. Jennifer Tomas, a Collingwood gynecologist and Cervical Screening and Colposcopy Lead for North Simcoe Muskoka. “With that accuracy, screening can be done less often. When combined with HPV vaccination, it is a powerful step toward preventing — and ultimately eliminating — cervical cancer.”

How does the new test work?

Like a Pap test the process is the same for the new test, where a doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife uses a speculum to view the cervix and uses a small, soft brush to collect cells, according to RVH. The test is a quick, painless experience.

In addition to getting these regular tests, RVH says for further protection, the HPV vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types of the virus, acting as an important preventative measure.

The new test is not only more accurate, but RVH says most people will only need to be screened every five years instead of with the traditional Pap which was every three years.

Who should be tested?

People who are aged 25 or older, who have a cervix, regardless of gender identity, and who have ever had sexual contact should be tested.

Anyone looking for more information can contact the Simcoe Muskoka Cancer Screening Hotline at 1-866-608-6910.