Screening Program for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when found early. Cervical cancer screening with combined Pap and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) reflex testing can find abnormal cells in the cervix that, if left undetected and untreated, could become cancerous. But, when these cell changes are detected early enough, they can be treated to stop cancer from developing. Early detection can also mean simpler treatment, more treatment options and less need for chemotherapy. 

In its earliest stages, cervical cancer often has no symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important. 

These simple appointments are free and can be done by a health-care provider at their clinic. Anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25-69 should be screened every three years. 

The Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines can be found here.

The Screening Program for Cervical Cancer:

• Provides education about cervical screening.
• Informs women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25-69 when they are due for a Pap test.
• Notifies participants of their Pap and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) reflex test results; and
• Works with health-care providers to ensure appropriate follow-up of abnormal results.

Call us toll-free at 1-800-667-0017 or email our Early Detection Coordinators at ED.Coordinator@saskcancer.ca for more information about the screening program.

How can you prevent cervical cancer?

Get the HPV Vaccine

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against HPV. Speak to your health-care provider or contact your local Public Health Office to find out if you are eligible for the HPV vaccine at no cost.

Use Condoms and Barrier Methods

Condoms and other barrier methods can reduce the risk of getting HPV, although they do not provide full protection, as HPV can be passed through further skin-to-skin contact.

Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking may help to clear lesions and decrease the risks of developing cervical or other cancers.

Limit Partners

Limiting the number of sexual partners may decrease your risk of HPV infection.

Go for Regular Screening

Regular cervical screening is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer so that any cell changes caused by high-risk HPV can be found and treated early.

Who should get screened?

Anyone with a cervix, including women and transgender people between the ages of 25-69, should be screened for cervical cancer every three years. 

You should still go for regular screening if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are going through menopause or in post-menopause.
• You have ever been sexually active, even if you are not currently sexually active.
• You have had the HPV vaccine.
• You are in a same-sex relationship.

You do NOT need to go for regular screening if:

• You have had your cervix removed for any reason (such as total hysterectomy or gender-affirming surgeries).

Contact your health-care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) to book your next Pap test. If you don't have a health-care provider, you can book a Pap test at any clinic listed here.

You can stop going for regular Pap tests at age 69. If you are 69 years of age or older, and have further questions, talk to your health-care provider.

Where can I go for a Pap test?

Make an appointment with your health-care provider for a Pap test. If you do not have a health-care provider, please call the screening program or make an appointment at one of the clinics that offer Pap tests. Use the Google map located shown on the side of the page or visit the clinic location page.

Cervical Self-Screening Study Seeking Saskatchewan Participants!

Has it been four years since your last Pap test? 
Are you interested in being a part of an important research study that could improve cervical cancer screening options for women?  

If you answered yes to these questions, all you need to do is fill out a short questionnaire at the bottom of this study page to have a self-sample kit mailed directly to your home. 

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The Cancer Agency’s Dr. Jennifer Brown Broderick, Gynecologic Oncologist and Researcher, continues to lead a research study that focuses on HPV self-sampling—a cervical cancer screening test that can be done in the comfort of your own home. The purpose of the study is to examine the potential of using self-administered swabs to increase cervical cancer screening rates in Saskatchewan. Visit Dr. Brown Broderick’s study page to have a self-sample kit mailed to your home.  You can also view the poster below for more information.

Currently, Pap tests are the only method used to screen for cervical cancer in Saskatchewan. The Cancer Agency's Screening Program for Cervical Cancer (SPCC) recommends that women and those with a cervix should have a Pap test completed every three years. For Pap tests, you need to visit a health-care facility, which isn’t always convenient for those who live in rural or remote parts of the province. Having an HPV self-sample test delivered directly to your front door will make it much quicker, easier and more convenient to screen for cervical cancer. 

Cervical cancer is a disease that is almost entirely preventable with screening and the HPV vaccination. Less than half of all eligible Saskatchewan women go for regular Pap tests. In the North and for underserved populations, such as newcomers, First Nations and Métis women, screening rates are estimated as low as 19 per cent. This pilot project is working to improve access to screening across the province and, ultimately, save lives.