Cervical Cancer Screening (HPV Testing)

5 hours ago
4 min read

Author: Lauren Calicchia, MD Student, University of Toronto

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina [1].

Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is spread through sexual contact and is a very common virus that people can get it at any point in their lives [2]. Many people can have HPV even if they have no symptoms. It is important to note that just because you have HPV does not mean that you have cervical cancer [2].

The good news?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when regular screening is done.

Figure 1. Diagram of the female reproductive system. — **Figure 1.** Diagram of the female reproductive system.

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus with more than 100 different types. Some types can cause genital warts, while others (called high-risk HPV) can cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections go away on their own and do not cause cancer [1]. Screening helps find high-risk HPV early, before it can cause problems.

The menstrual phase begins on the first day of bleeding. At this point, estrogen and progesterone levels are low, which tells the uterus to shed the lining that built up during the previous cycle. This shedding is what causes a period [1].

What is Cervical Cancer Screening?

Cervical cancer screening checks for signs that could lead to cancer before cancer develops.

There are two main tests:

HPV test: looks for high-risk HPV [3]
Pap test (Pap smear): looks for abnormal cells in the cervix [3]

In many places (including Canada), HPV testing is now the main screening test.

What is an HPV Test?

An HPV test checks for high-risk types of HPV on the cervix [2].

It does not check for cancer itself
It checks for the virus that can cause cancer

Finding HPV early allows doctors to:

monitor you more closely
treat changes early
prevent cervical cancer

Who Should Get Screened?

Screening guidelines can vary slightly by region, but generally:

Anyone between the ages of 25-69 [4]
Anyone with a cervix
Even if:
- you feel healthy
- you have no symptoms
- you’ve had the HPV vaccine

*The HPV vaccine protects against many HPV types, but not all. This is why screening is still important.

How Often Do I Need Screening?

HPV testing is usually done every 5 years if the results are normal [4].

**This is longer than Pap testing screening because HPV tests are much more accurate than Pap tests.

Your healthcare provider may recommend different timing if:

HPV is found
you’ve had abnormal results before

Figure 2. Diagram of HPV testing procedure. — **Figure 2.** Diagram of HPV testing procedure.

What Happens During the Test?

The test is quick and usually takes 5 minutes or less. There are two ways to get an HPV test:

Sample collected at your doctor’s office [5]
- You lie on an exam table
- A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina
- A small brush collects cells from the cervix
Self-collection (where available) [5]
- You use a swab yourself
- No speculum
- Can feel more comfortable for many people

Your doctor will explain which option is available to you.

Does the test hurt?

Most people say it feels uncomfortable or like pressure. It should not be painful, but everyone’s body is different. If you’re nervous or uncomfortable, tell your provider. They can help.

What Do the Results Mean?

If HPV is not found:

This is normal.

Your risk of cervical cancer is very low
You’ll be invited back for screening in up to 5 years [4]

If HPV is found:

This does not mean you have cancer.

It means:
- you may need follow-up testing
- your provider may check your cervix more closely [4]

Common Myths

Why Screening Matters

Cervical cancer often develops slowly, and can be stopped before cancer forms.

Screening:

saves lives
prevents cancer
gives peace of mind

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should talk to your doctor if you:

are due (or overdue) for screening
have abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain
feel anxious about the test
want to ask about self-collection

Sources:

Fowler JR. Cervical cancer. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2023 [cited 2026 Jan 27]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431093/
Burd EM. Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2003 Jan;16(1):1–17. doi:10.1128/cmr.16.1.1-17.2003
Koliopoulos G, Nyaga VN, Santesso N, Bryant A, Martin-Hirsch PP, Mustafa RA, et al. Cytology versus HPV testing for cervical cancer screening in the general population. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 Aug 10;2018(7). doi:10.1002/14651858.cd008587.pub2
Cervical screening recommendations summary. [cited 2026 Jan 27]. Available from: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/guidelines-advice/cancer-continuum/screening/resources-healthcare-providers/cervical-screening-recommendations-summary
Le D, Coriolan Ciceron A, Jeon MJ, Gonzalez LI, Jordan JA, Bordon J, et al. Cervical cancer prevention and high-risk HPV self-sampling awareness and acceptability among women living with HIV: A qualitative investigation from the patients’ and providers’ perspectives. Current Oncology. 2022 Jan 26;29(2):516–33. doi:10.3390/curroncol29020047

Are you still confused or do you still have questions?

Leave us Feedback!

Medical Disclaimer: HealthDecoded content is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.