The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released updated NWT Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines. As a key part of these updated screening guidelines, the GNWT has switched from using Papanicolaou (PAP) tests to human papillomavirus (HPV) tests.

HPV is a vaccine-preventable infection that can cause cancer. Not all HPV strains cause cancer, but there are high-risk HPV strains that can cause cells to change into cancer cells and should be monitored.

This switch to HPV testing enables earlier detection of those high-risk strains of HPV, before cells have had a chance to change. Previously, PAP tests looked for abnormal cells that had already changed because of HPV, but did not routinely test for HPV itself.

Residents who test positive for the four main high-risk HPV strains will be referred directly to colposcopy (a procedure where a healthcare provider uses a specialized instrument internally to check for abnormal tissue), while those who show other high-risk HPV strains will be followed up with a PAP test (if they are otherwise healthy individuals) or referred directly to colposcopy (if they are immunocompromised).

The new NWT Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines also recommend that screening should:

• Begin at age 25 for asymptomatic women and individuals with a cervix;
• Continue every 3 years; and
• Stop at age 69 for average risk women and individuals with a cervix (age 74 in those who are immunocompromised).

Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer for women and individuals with a cervix worldwide. Regardless of age, you can talk to your healthcare provider if any symptoms or concerns regarding cervical cancer occur. Getting the HPV vaccine – which is free of charge for all genders between the ages of 9 – 26 years of age – and routine cervical cancer screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

For general information on cancer screening, vaccines, HPV, and any other non-urgent health concerns, call 811 or speak with your local healthcare provider.

To learn more about HPV, visit the Department of Health and Social Services website.

For media requests, please contact:

Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052