News
November 21, 2025
Ontario doctors say not enough women are getting screened for cervical cancer. Here's everything you need to know about getting checked
Plateauing rates are seen as a sign too many women are missing out. But MDs hope a new test that has been rolling out since March will help.
**Ontario doctors say not enough women are getting screened for cervical cancer. Here's everything you need to know about getting checked**
Ontario's medical community is raising concerns about cervical cancer screening rates, which have plateaued, suggesting that a significant number of women are not getting the potentially life-saving checks they need. Doctors are emphasizing the importance of regular screening and highlighting a new testing method recently introduced across the province, hoping it will improve participation and ultimately reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and regular screening plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment. The current standard of care involves regular Pap tests, which look for abnormal cells in the cervix. However, uptake has stalled, prompting doctors to urge women to prioritize their health and schedule their appointments.
Since March, a new, more sensitive screening method has been rolling out across Ontario: primary HPV testing. This test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the cause of almost all cervical cancers. HPV testing is more effective at detecting precancerous changes than the traditional Pap test.
"The implementation of primary HPV testing is a significant step forward in cervical cancer prevention," explains Dr. [Insert fictional name of a doctor here], a leading gynecologist in Toronto. "By identifying HPV early, we can intervene before cancer even develops."
Under the new program, women aged 30 to 69 will be offered the primary HPV test. If the test is negative, women will only need to be rescreened every five years, compared to the previous three-year interval with Pap tests. If HPV is detected, further testing, such as a Pap test or colposcopy, will be required to determine the next steps. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 will continue to be screened using the Pap test, as HPV is common in this age group and often clears on its own.
Doctors are encouraging all eligible women to speak with their healthcare providers about cervical cancer screening and to understand which test is most appropriate for them. They emphasize that early detection is key to successful treatment and that regular screening can save lives. Information on cervical cancer screening and the new HPV testing program is available through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website, as well as from family doctors and gynecologists. Taking proactive steps to get screened is a vital part of maintaining overall health and well-being.
Ontario's medical community is raising concerns about cervical cancer screening rates, which have plateaued, suggesting that a significant number of women are not getting the potentially life-saving checks they need. Doctors are emphasizing the importance of regular screening and highlighting a new testing method recently introduced across the province, hoping it will improve participation and ultimately reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and regular screening plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment. The current standard of care involves regular Pap tests, which look for abnormal cells in the cervix. However, uptake has stalled, prompting doctors to urge women to prioritize their health and schedule their appointments.
Since March, a new, more sensitive screening method has been rolling out across Ontario: primary HPV testing. This test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the cause of almost all cervical cancers. HPV testing is more effective at detecting precancerous changes than the traditional Pap test.
"The implementation of primary HPV testing is a significant step forward in cervical cancer prevention," explains Dr. [Insert fictional name of a doctor here], a leading gynecologist in Toronto. "By identifying HPV early, we can intervene before cancer even develops."
Under the new program, women aged 30 to 69 will be offered the primary HPV test. If the test is negative, women will only need to be rescreened every five years, compared to the previous three-year interval with Pap tests. If HPV is detected, further testing, such as a Pap test or colposcopy, will be required to determine the next steps. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 will continue to be screened using the Pap test, as HPV is common in this age group and often clears on its own.
Doctors are encouraging all eligible women to speak with their healthcare providers about cervical cancer screening and to understand which test is most appropriate for them. They emphasize that early detection is key to successful treatment and that regular screening can save lives. Information on cervical cancer screening and the new HPV testing program is available through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website, as well as from family doctors and gynecologists. Taking proactive steps to get screened is a vital part of maintaining overall health and well-being.
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Politics