Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable malignancies when precancerous changes are detected and treated early. In Alberta, routine cervical screening through Pap tests and HPV analysis is a standard component of preventive women's healthcare.
Who Needs Cervical Screening in Alberta?
Under the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program (ACSCP), routine screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix who is or has ever been sexually active:
- Starting Age: Routine screening begins at age 25. Screening before age 25 is not recommended because transient HPV infections are common in younger individuals and rarely lead to cervical cancer, while unnecessary procedures can cause harm.
- Interval: If your test results are normal, routine screening is performed every 3 years.
- Discontinuation Age: Screening can generally stop at age 69 if you have had 3 consecutive normal results in the preceding 10 years.
What Happens During a Pap Test?
The examination is quick and performed in a private, supportive clinical environment. Your physician uses a speculum to gently visualize the cervix, then uses a soft brush to collect a small sample of surface cells. The sample is sent to an accredited Alberta laboratory to assess for atypical cytology or high-risk HPV strains.
Understanding Abnormal Results
An abnormal Pap result does not mean you have cancer. In the vast majority of cases, abnormal findings represent:
- Mild cervical inflammation or benign hormonal shifts
- Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) that often clear spontaneously through your body's immune system
- High-grade lesions (HSIL) that warrant colposcopic evaluation and specialized gynecological follow-up
👩⚕️ Comfort and Confidentiality
At Medi Plus Clinic, our family physicians provide confidential cervical examinations, contraception advice, and reproductive health counseling. To schedule your screening, contact our clinic at 403-293-5454. For acute pelvic pain or heavy bleeding, seek emergency medical attention at Peter Lougheed Centre or call Health Link at 811.
