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Screening

Cervical cancer screening

Eligibility, intervals, stopping criteria, and follow-up reminders.

Last reviewed 2026-01-04|cancer | women | prevention

Who to screen: asymptomatic people with a cervix ages 25-69 who are or have been sexually active. Do not screen those younger than 20 or ages 20-24, and do not screen people without a cervix, with symptoms, immunocompromise, or unresolved abnormal results.

Test and interval: Pap cytology every 3 years (use provincial program test if HPV primary screening is used locally). Confirm prior results and schedule recall at booking.

Stopping: stop at age 70 if three consecutive negative tests were done within the last 10 years. Continue if not adequately screened.

Follow-up: abnormal results should follow provincial algorithms, including colposcopy referral when indicated. Document follow-up and patient contact.