Breaking news – say goodbye to PAP smears!
That’s right. There is a new way to screen for cervical cancer that can be done at home. As of January 29, 2024, a new screening method became available in BC for cervical cancer screening. Patients can now choose to self-screen by collecting their own sample with an HPV vaginal self-screening swab at home. Average-risk patient who have a negative HPV screen will be recommended to screen again in 5 years. (rather than the traditional 3 years with PAP smears). Please note that a physician-collected sample (PAP smears) is still available by choice. Average-risk patients who have a normal PAP results wll be recommended to screen again in 3 years.
If your PAP smear is due (those with a 36-month or 60-month recall), the Cervix Screening Program will mail a self-screening kit to you, and you can drop off the completed kit to a Canada Post office or post box. Those with a 6- or 12-month recall recommendations are still advised to see us for a cervical sample.
Here is more information about the BC Cervical Self-Screening Program.
What exactly is this test and is it better than the PAP smear?
The test uses a small swab to take a sample from the vagina to look for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer. You can do it wherever you feel safe and comfortable, such as in your home or at a health care provider’s office.
The test is quick, reliable and effective. Click here to request a kit.
What are the benefits of cervix self-screening?
It’s easy to get screened. Fill out an online kit request form or call 1-877-702-6566.
- It tests for HPV, the virus that causes the changes to the cells of the cervix that lead to cervical cancer
- You don’t need to see a health-care provider or have a speculum (pelvic) exam
- You can do it yourself within the privacy of your home or, if you prefer, at a health-care provider’s office
- It’s easy and painless: you use a small, Q-tip like swab to collect a sample from your vagina
- It’s free of charge
- HPV testing is very accurate; because of its higher sensitivity, you won’t be due for your next screen until five years later if no HPV is found.
Cervix self-screening involves testing for HPV
Cervix self-screening looks for the virus that causes cervical cancer, HPV. It can find people who are more likely to develop abnormal cell changes caused by HPV. It is MORE effective than cytology (PAPs) at identifying people at risk of developing pre-cancerous cervical lesions.
Cervix self-screening uses HPV testing to look for HPV in your vagina. HPV testing does not need a sample from your cervix.
Click here to learn more about HPV.
Help improve maternity care in BC!
The Vancouver Division of Family Practice (the association of 1100+ family doctors working in Vancouver) has recently launched a new website that provides access to information and resources designed to support pregnant patients at www.pregnancyvancouver.ca.
Now, we want to add more useful information about Vancouver maternity care services to this site. We would love to hear your experience of receiving maternity services in the City of Vancouver.
Participate through a short (30 minutes) conversation with the Vancouver Division of Family Practice. A $25 gift card will be provided to those who participate. You do NOT need to be currently pregnant to participate.
To participate, please contact Belinda Boyd at bboyd@vancouverdivision.com – before MARCH 1, 2024 if possible.