Cervical health is an important women's health issue. Cervical cancer is a risk for all women who are sexually active but with regular Pap tests it can be more than 95% preventable. The Pap test can find cervical cell changes long before they are even cancerous. Early detection of cancer is a powerful aid in protecting health.

Take action now. Early Detection is the best method of saving lives.

• What is the cervix?
• What are the risk factors for getting cervical cancer?
• What can I do to prevent cervical cancer?
• How is a Pap test done?
• Where can I get more information on cervical health?

What is the cervix?

• The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system that is found at the top of the vagina and is the opening to the uterus.
• The cervix is made up of cells which can change. If left untreated these cells can develop into cancer.

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What are the risk factors for getting cervical cancer?

You are at greater risk for cervical cancer if you:

• Have sex with more than one partner.
• Have sex before age 18.
• Smoke or are exposed to second hand smoke.
• Are infected with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) . 

BUT, a woman with none of these risks may also get cervical cancer.

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What can I do to prevent cervical cancer?

• Woman of all ages who are, or ever have been, sexually active should have regular Pap tests.
• You need to have a Pap test once a year for the first 3 years after you become sexually active.
• If these 3 Pap tests are normal, you need to have a test every 2 - 3 years until you are 70.
• You may stop having pap tests after the age of 70 if in the previous 10 years there were 3 or more normal test results.

NOTE: These recommendations do not apply for women who have had previous abnormal Pap tests.

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How is a Pap test done?

• A pap test is done during a routine pelvic exam.
• Cells are gently taken from the surface of the cervix and "smeared" onto a glass slide. This slide is then examined under a microscope for any unhealthy changes.

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Where can I get more in formation on cervical health?

• Cervical Screening 
  Cancer Care Ontario
• Screening for Cervical Cancer 
  Health Canada
• A downloadable resource on Cervical Screening Guidelines  58KB
  Ontario Cervical Screening Program

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