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Prioritizing Your Health: Why Cervical Cancer Screening is More Than Just a Routine Test

Picture of woman with her hands over her stomach, signaling upset stomach with text that reads, "The Impact Of Stress On The Digestive System" By Dr. Melanie Robinson, Naturopathic Doctor. Www.naturallyinclinedhealth.com with a logo of Naturally Inclined Health

Introduction


If you are delaying your cervical cancer screening because you are nervous, embarrassed, unsure whether you need it, or just don’t know where to start, you are not the only one. With frequently evolving cervical screening guidelines, it can be difficult to know what applies to you in your current life phase. 


Here’s what you need to know…

 

What Is Cervical Cancer?


Cervical cancer is a cancerous (malignant) change to the cells of the cervix (the narrow, lower part of the uterus) that, when undiscovered or untreated, can grow into the nearby tissues and even spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body 1. Most often, cervical cancer starts with precancerous conditions where the cells start to become abnormal 1. Other times, cervical cell changes lead to non-cancerous conditions like polyps or cysts 1.


Illustration from SEER Training Modules: Introduction to Cervical Cancer. U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Cited 25 June 2026. Available from: https://training.seer.cancer.gov. 


Illustration from SEER Training Modules: Introduction to Cervical Cancer. U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Cited 25 June 2026. Available from: https://training.seer.cancer.gov. 


Why Does Cervical Cancer Screening Matter?


Generally, the transition from a precancerous to a cancerous condition can take 10 years or more, but there are cases where this evolution occurs more rapidly 2. Screening allows us to detect early cell changes long before someone feels any symptoms, and usually when they are still in a precancerous stage 3. Additionally, HPV itself, especially the high-risk types, don’t cause symptoms, so people often have no idea that they have the infection or that they are passing it to their sexual partners 3.


When screening detects early cervical cell changes and early cancers, they are much easier to treat, and this leads to better patient outcomes 4.


Just The Numbers


These cervical cancer statistics help us to understand the impact of cervical cancer on Albertans and Canadians, but also highlight why we care about cervical cancer screening and how impactful screening programs have been on cancer rates and deaths. 


  • It is estimated that there will be 210 new cervical cancer cases in Alberta in 2026 and 45 cervical cancer deaths 5.

  • Across Canada, it is expected that there will be 1700 new cases of cervical cancer in 2026 and 450 cervical cancer deaths 5.

  • From 1984 to 2005, cervical cancer cases declined significantly 6. Data from 2005 to 2021 suggest that cervical cancer cases stabilized over this period 6. Over the last couple of years, there has been a trend towards an increase in cervical cancer cases 6.

  • 90% of cervical cancer cases are preventable, and it is thought that 100% of cervical cancer deaths are preventable 6.

  • First Nations communities in Alberta have a 14% lower participation rate in cervical cancer screening compared to other populations in Alberta 6.

  • Canada has currently set the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 6.


What Are My Risk Factors For Cervical Cancer?


The biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) 7. Frequently, other risk factors will act with HPV to increase an individual’s risk for cervical cancer 7. Highlighted below are the risk factors for cervical cancer.


Biggest Risk Factors For Cervical Cancer


Infection with HPV


While the majority of people who develop cervical cancer have an HPV infection, the infection itself is not a guarantee that cervical cancer will occur 7. There are a number of different HPV strains that are able to infect the cervix, but not all will cause the abnormal cell changes that lead to cervical cancer 7.


Smoking


Smoking can have an immune-weakening effect that results in HPV infections not going away on their own 7. The longer an HPV infection is present, the more likely that a squamous intraepithelial lesion will occur 7.


Sexual Activity


Sexual activity includes any genital to genital contact as well as oral and hand sex. Anyone with a cervix who engages in, or has engaged in, these activities is at risk for the development of cervical cancer due to the increased risk of HPV exposure from sexual activity and anyone who engages in, or has engaged in, these activities is able to pass along an HPV infection 7.


Any history of sexual activity, as well as becoming sexually active at a younger age and having intercourse with multiple partners, increases the risk of exposure to HPV and, therefore, the risk of cervical cancer 7. Having a sexual partner who has cervical cancer or who has had many sexual partners also increases the risk 7.


Infection with HIV


HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) weakens the immune system, and this makes it harder for the body to clear an infection, such as HPV 7. It has also been seen that those who are HIV positive have a higher risk of cervical cancer because the precancerous cell changes happen more rapidly 7.


History of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)


Individuals with HPV who also have a chlamydia infection have a higher risk of cervical cancer, likely due to the increased inflammation, making it harder to clear HPV 7. Similarly, individuals with herpes simplex virus type 2 and HPV might also have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer 7.


Other Risks Factors For Cervical Cancer


These risk factors play a less significant role in cervical cancer development, but are still important considerations.


Number of Births (Parity)


Parity is the number of times someone has given birth, and multiparity refers to giving birth more than once 7. Multiparity has been linked with a higher risk of cervical cancer in individuals with an HPV infection 7. Why this occurs is not fully understood, but it is thought that hormonal changes during pregnancy and trauma to the cervix during birth may contribute 7. 


Oral Contraceptive Use


Taking an oral contraceptive pill (birth control pill) over a long time may increase the risk of an HPV infection developing into cervical cancer 7. This risk seems to be the greatest in those who have been on an oral contraceptive for more than 5 years, and then goes down over time once the oral contraceptive is stopped 7.


Do I Need Cervical Cancer Screening?


Guidelines on cervical cancer screening do vary from one region to another. Within Alberta, cervical cancer screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix who is between the ages of 25 and 69 4. 


This includes individuals who:

  • Have had bottom surgery to create a cervix, as they may have a small risk of cancer occurring in the tissues of the neo-vagina or neo-cervix 4.

  • Have had a hysterectomy, but who did not have their cervix removed 4.

  • Are taking testosterone as part of gender-affirming care and still have a cervix, as testosterone can sometimes cause changes to cervical cells that look similar to precancerous changes 4. 


Do I still need cervical cancer screening if…

  • I have only had one sexual partner? Yes 4.

  • I have had the HPV vaccine? Yes 4.

  • I have been through menopause? Yes 4.

  • I am no longer sexually active? Yes 4.

  • I identify as lesbian, bisexual, or queer? Yes 4.

  • I feel healthy and am symptom-free? Yes 4.


The only time cervical cancer screening is not recommended is in the following populations:

  • Those under the age of 25 4.

  • Those who have had no sexual contact or for whom it has been less than 3 years since their first sexual contact 4.

  • Individuals without a cervix, including those who have had a complete hysterectomy with removal of the cervix 4.  


Due to the varied nature of cervical cancer screening recommendations, it is always important to consult with your health care provider about whether cervical cancer screening is recommended for you and what that screening should involve.


How Often Do I Need Cervical Cancer Screening?


As noted above, cervical cancer screening begins at age 25 4. Screening should then be repeated every 3 years in those aged 25 to 49 and every 3-5 years in those aged 50-69 4.


If you are not sexually active until the age of 25, then screening would begin at age 28 8. It is important to note that sexual activity is not limited to penetrative intercourse and refers to any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area; this includes touching and oral sex 8.


How Do We Screen? Pap Tests VS. HPV Tests


Pap Test (Pap Smear)


The Pap test, or Pap smear, is the screening test used in individuals aged 25 to 49 8. The Pap test allows for the evaluation of the cells of the cervix and is able to detect abnormal cells long before there are any symptoms 8. A Pap test will not look for other types of cancers or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), although sampling for STIs can be done during the same appointment as a Pap test 8.


To collect the cells from the cervix, you are asked to undress from the waist down and are then provided with a gown or a sheet 8. Your provider will gently insert a speculum into your vaginal canal so that the cervix can be visualized 8. Then, using a small spatula or brush, they will collect a sample of cells from the cervix 8.


Does A Pap Test Hurt?


Pap tests may cause some physical discomfort, but should be non-painful 8. That being said, many individuals are hesitant to undergo Pap testing due to perceptions about the test itself, previous experiences with the test, or fear of the results 9. These were discussed in depth in the 2023 scoping review examining the critical experiences of women undergoing Pap Smear 9. They identified four major categories that reflected the overall experience, which included fear and embarrassment during the procedure, pain and discomfort from the speculum, distress due to results, and barriers to health services 9. 


Based on these concerns, the following are some recommendations for making the Pap test process more comfortable:


  • If you have never undergone Pap testing or have had a previously poor experience with the test, ask your care provider to walk you through the test in detail before the examination 10. This can include discussing different body positions for the test, as well as visually seeing the speculum and the brush or spatula that takes the sample. This is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns you have and ask any questions.

  • Schedule your Pap test for times when you are not menstruating or not about to menstruate 8, 10). 

  • Practice deep breathing or meditation techniques that can help relax your muscles during the test 10.

  • Empty your bladder prior to the test to reduce the pelvic pressure you may feel during the test 10. 

  • Consider bringing a support person who can check in with you during the test, help you engage in deep breathing, or help distract you with conversation 10. 

  • During the Pap test, request that your provider detail their actions before they undertake them so you can be prepared for each step 10. You may also request a mirror so you are able to see what is occurring during the test. 

  • Request that your provider use a plastic speculum and choose the smallest speculum possible for your body 10. Some providers may also be able to warm the speculum to reduce discomfort due to temperature. 

  • If you are feeling discomfort during the test, let your provider know and ask for a break or pause if you require one 10. 


What Are The Risks And Benefits Of A Pap Test?


Like most screening tests, there are some risks associated with a Pap test 8.


The primary risks are:

  • A chance that abnormal cell changes will be missed (false negative result) 8.

  • A chance that the results will report abnormal cells when there are none (false positive result) 8.

  • A chance of undergoing treatment and testing related to the found abnormal cell changes, despite the chance that the abnormal cells may never have become cancerous 8.


However, there are also numerous benefits, including:

  • Early detection of cervical cell changes for improved monitoring 8.

  • Treatment of early detected cell changes can prevent 90% of cervical cancers 8.

  • Early treatment often means less treatment and easier recovery 8.

  • Early detection of cervical cancer improves chances of survival 8.


While the benefits of a Pap test outweigh the risk, the decision to undergo screening is still up to the individual and should be informed by a conversation with your health care provider 8.


What Is HPV Testing (Cervical Cancer Screening Test)?


In November 2025, Alberta transitioned to the cervical cancer screening test for individuals aged 50 to 69 11. This test looks for high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) rather than looking for cell changes 11. Other than the type of test, the Cervical Cancer Screening Test follows the same sample collection process as the Pap Test and the above recommendations for increasing comfort are still applicable 11. 


It is also important to note that a finding of high-risk HPV does not mean that cervical cancer is present or that cervical cancer will develop 11.


What are the risks and benefits of the HPV test?


The benefits of the HPV test include:

  • Identification of individuals who are more likely to develop abnormal cell changes due to high-risk HPV 11.

  • Earlier detection of abnormal cell changes and earlier treatment to prevent cervical cancer development 11.


The primary risks associated with the HPV test include:

  • Stress caused by abnormal results and the need for follow-up testing 11.

  • A chance that the test could miss HPV, even if there are pre-cancerous cells or cervical cancer 11.

  • A change that the test could report the presence of HPV even when it is not there 11.


Can I self-screen for cervical cancer?


Alberta is in the process of completing a 3-year initiative called the “Cervix Self-Screening Pilot Project,” and it will come to an end on September 1st, 2026 12. Through this project, there is a goal of increasing cervical cancer screening access and participation in populations that are often under-screened, which include Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and those in rural and remote areas who have not been screened within the last 5 years 12. While new patients are no longer being accepted to the pilot project, this project may inform Alberta cervical cancer screening guidelines in the future. 


What Do The Results Of My Cervical Cancer Screening Test Mean?


Pap test and HPV test results may be provided to you via your health care provider, the MyHealth Records online portal, and/or a mailed letter 13, 14. 


Pap Test

The three possible results from a Pap test are normal, unsatisfactory, or abnormal 13. When results are normal, this means that no cellular changes were found, and you will continue with routine screening 13. If the results are unsatisfactory or abnormal, you will either be asked to repeat testing or undergo additional testing, and your screening recommendations may also change 13.


Does And Abnormal Pap Test Mean I Have Cervical Cancer?


No, abnormal Pap tests simply mean that abnormal cells have been found 15. This result does not mean you have a precancerous condition or cancer 15. Often, further testing is done to confirm the presence of precancerous cells or rule them out 2. If precancerous cells are confirmed, they will be one of the following: 


Abnormal Squamous Cells

The most common type of cervical cancer originates in squamous cells 16. These can be described as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and will be assigned a grade that helps to describe where the cell changes are present and how significant the changes are 16. 


Abnormal Glandular Cells

These include both atypical glandular cells and adenocarcinoma in situ 16. Atypical glandular cells (AGC) means the cells don’t look normal and have a higher risk of becoming cancerous 16. Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) means cells that are not yet invasive have been found, and they haven’t spread into the deeper tissues of the cervix or surrounding structures 16.


HPV Testing (Cervical Screening Test)


The possible results for the HPV Test include normal, abnormal, indeterminate, and invalid 14. When results are normal, the test detected no high-risk HPV, and the odds of getting cervical cancer are low 14. Abnormal results indicate that high-risk HPV was detected and that further testing will be requested 14. For indeterminate and invalid results, additional testing is often needed to clarify results or get a proper sample 14.


In Summary...


Cervical cancer is preventable 6. When we combine routine screening with timely follow-up and other risk management strategies, we move one step closer to the Canadian goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 6. If you are due for your first screening or have been putting it off due to anxiety or confusion, having a conversation with your healthcare provider can be an important first step in getting back on track.


Key Takeaways:


  • Cervical cancer is highly preventable.

  • HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

  • Screening allows for changes to be detected before cancer develops.

  • In November 2025, Alberta moved to the HPV test for cervical cancer screening in individuals aged 50-69.

  • The HPV vaccine does not replace cervical cancer screening


*Note: The information contained in the blog is accurate at the time of publishing. Screening and other Public Health recommendations are updated on a regular basis. It is recommended that you speak with a health care provider about the most up-to-date recommendations for you.


*Disclaimer: The information contained within this post is for general educational and information purposes only; no doctor-patient relationship is formed. It is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute, therefore. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.




References:



A picture of Dr. Melanie Robinson, Naturopathic Doctor, with text that reads: Dr. Mélanie Robinson (she/her) is a licensed naturopathic doctor and graduate of the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, where she received the Clinical Excellence Award. She holds a degree in Bilingual Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta and is licensed in Alberta. Dr. Robinson provides gentle, evidence-based, individualized care with a focus on women’s health, pediatrics, digestive and hormonal concerns. She is fluent in English and French.



About Naturally Inclined Health:


Naturally Inclined Health is an integrative health clinic located in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, proudly serving Albertans with comprehensive naturopathic care, acupuncture, IV therapy, and nutrition support with our on-site naturopathic doctors and registered dietitian. We believe every person is unique, and health concerns deserve an individualized, patient-centered approach.


Naturopathic medicine uses a wide range of evidence-informed assessment tools, healing modalities, and natural treatments to create customized care plans that evolve with your health needs. Our Naturopathic Doctors in Edmonton are highly trained clinicians with a holistic lens, addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.


Whether you’re seeking support for digestive health, stress management, chronic conditions, or preventative care, our integrative team is here to help. Visit our Edmonton naturopathic clinic in person or access virtual naturopathic care throughout Alberta to support your long-term health and wellness.



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