Alicia Hilderley, a vocal advocate for cervical cancer awareness, is celebrating the launch of a new screening test aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The test, which replaces the traditional Pap test, is now the primary screening method in Ontario and promises a more effective approach to detecting the virus responsible for most cervical cancers.
“This is an opportunity for others to avoid the same fate as mine,” Hilderley says, recalling the shocking discovery of a tumour on her cervix just five months after giving birth. Diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer, she learned that the human papillomavirus (HPV) was to blame. HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, making early detection crucial.
The new HPV test, introduced on March 3, is a more direct method of screening, identifying the virus itself rather than only the abnormal changes it causes in cervical cells. According to Dr. Anna Wilkinson, a family physician and general practitioner-oncologist at The Ottawa Hospital, “Before, we were looking for the smoke. Now, we’re looking for the flames.” The new test allows healthcare providers to detect HPV infections earlier, offering a better chance to prevent cancer before it develops further.
Unlike the previous Pap test, which required screening every three years, the HPV test allows for screenings every five years for most individuals after a negative result. Those with a history of abnormal screenings may need to continue more frequent testing. The test is available during regular visits to family physicians, nurse practitioners, or midwives, and is covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Dr. Hélène Gagné, gynecologist and Regional Cervical Screening Lead, stresses the importance of regular screenings despite the availability of the HPV vaccine. “The HPV vaccine is a game-changer in cancer prevention,” she says, noting that the vaccine is available to students in grade seven and free clinics are also available for youth in grades 7-12 who missed the vaccine. Adults who were not vaccinated can still receive the vaccine through their primary care providers.
For those without a family doctor, the Champlain Regional Cancer Program’s Screening Outreach Program offers an innovative solution. The program provides accessible screening through a nurse practitioner called the “Superscreener,” offering services to people without a primary care provider across Eastern Ontario.
To get screened, individuals can make appointments through their healthcare provider or the Champlain Screening Outreach Program. Results will be sent to patients and their healthcare providers, ensuring timely follow-up.
With this new test, Ontario takes a significant step in reducing cervical cancer rates, providing better prevention and detection options for individuals across the province.
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