Resources

Papapalooza: Cervical Cancer Screening Event

Date: September 29, 2023 from 9am-1pm
You will be booked for a one time appointment with a Gynecologist at Avivo Health Alliance for a Pap test
Please note, this appointment is ONLY for a pap test. This is not considered an appointment for gynecology consultation
Your visit and pap test will be covered by provincial health care
Please arrive 10 minutes early

How does someone know if they need a Pap?
- Alberta screening sends letters in the mail letting you know pap results but also when you’re due
- Please visit screeningforlife.ca for more info
- Routine screening starts at age 25 or 3 years after sexual activity
  - Sexual activity doesn’t always mean penetrative sex! Things like genital touching and oral sex counts too!
- Routine pap tests should happen every 3 years after starting screening until age 69
- Some women need to have more frequent testing due to certain medical conditions or due to results of their prior pap tests
A pap test is the main screening test for cervical cancer in Alberta
It is a test that checks cervical cells for abnormal or precancerous cells
What causes cervical cancer
- The majority of cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus (more information on HPV available here)

Pap tests are run by the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program
- This provincial program keeps track of your pap tests and sends you helpful reminders by mail of your results and when you are due for your next pap
What happens at a pap test
- - Your provider will position you on with your legs open to the sides, sometimes resting on leg rests
  - A speculum (which is a small device that slides into the vagina to visualize the cervix) is placed into the vagina
  - A brush and or spatula is used to touch the outside of your cervix and take a sample of small cells
  - Those cells are looked at under the microscope to look for abnormal or pre-cancerous changes

Will it hurt?
- Pap tests are something many women worry about. Our providers try our best to make it as comfortable as possible.
- Pap tests should not hurt although sometimes a small amount of discomfort is felt
- We have some special tricks up our sleeves to reduce discomfort
Is it ok if on my period?
- Yes, if light shouldn’t cause any issues. If your cycle Is very heavy there’s a chance the results may be obscured and it may need to be repeated. Up to patient if they want to continue.
How long will it take?
- A pap test is very quick, it should only take a few minutes
What happens if I have an abnormal result
- Your provider will contact you with the next steps. Some women need to have a repeat pap test at a sooner interval. Other women are referred for more testing (often a test called colposcopy where small biopsies are taken of the cervix)