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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Pap test

AHS recommends regular cervical cancer screening a key preventative tool

Feb 1, 2024 | 12:12 PM

As January was Cervical Health Awareness Month, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is recommending cervical cancer screening for those between the ages of 25 and 69 who are or have been sexually active.

This screening is with a Pap test and is also frequently referred to as a Pap smear.

A Pap test checks the cervix for any abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. AHS says it’s important to get screened regularly, once every three years unless a healthcare provider says otherwise.

AHS officials say regular Pap tests and follow-up care can prevent about 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

“Pap tests can also detect cervical cancer early. Getting screened can save your life. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat,” they said in a release.

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Albertans can contact their healthcare provider’s office or a women’s health clinic to book a Pap test. If someone does not have a healthcare provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner:

• Visit Alberta Find a Doctor, or
• Use the screeningforlife.ca locator tool and select “cervical” as the type of test to find screening options nearby, or
• Call Health Link at 811.

AHS says it’s important to have regular Pap tests, even if:

• You feel healthy and have no symptoms of cervical cancer.
• You’ve only had one sexual partner.
• You’ve had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
• You’ve been through menopause.
• You’re no longer sexually active.

Officials say almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV as infections are common and usually do not cause symptoms, so most people do not even know they have it.

A Pap test doesn’t test for other cancers or sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

For more information on cervical cancer screening, visit screeningforlife.ca.