For StettlerLocal.com by Alberta Health Services
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to learn about cervical cancer — how to prevent or find it early.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommends cervical cancer screening once every three years, or as your healthcare provider recommends, for women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69 who are or have been sexually active.
A Pap test checks for abnormal cells in your cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer. Pap tests can also check if you already have cervical cancer. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. Regular Pap tests and follow-up care can prevent about 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases.
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
You’re a lesbian, bisexual or queer woman
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization
HPV is a virus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can cause genital warts and certain cancers. An HPV infection will often go away on its own. However, some people get a long-term infection. This can lead to cancer of the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus, mouth, or throat. HPV causes almost all cervical cancers.
You can prevent cervical cancer by getting immunized with the HPV-9 vaccine. The HPV-9 vaccine protects against 9 strains (types) of HPV. Some of these strains may cause up to 92% of cervical cancers.
Grade 6 students can get the HPV-9 vaccine as part of the school immunization program. Students can only be immunized in school with a parent or caregiver’s permission (consent).
If you did not get the HPV-9 vaccine in Grade 6, you can still get it for free up to and including age 26 years. Talk to your doctor to find out if it is a good idea for you. If you are unsure about getting the HPV vaccine for yourself or your child, try the HPV Vaccine Decision Tool.
Get Screened and Raise Awareness
Cervical health awareness month is an opportunity to learn more about your cervical health.
Contact your healthcare provider’s office or a women’s health clinic to book a Pap test. If you do not have a healthcare provider:
Visit Alberta Find a Doctor, or
Use the screeningforlife.ca locator tool and select “cervical” as the type of test to find screening options near you, or
Call Health Link at 811.
Learn more about cervical cancer: https://screeningforlife.ca/cervical/
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