There are important new regulations around Pap testing and cervical cancer screening in Ontario.
As of March this year, the Ontario Cancer Screening Program (OCSP) has introduced human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary assessment tool for cervical cancer screening.
Why the change?
The shift to HPV testing was made for two main reasons:
- Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection. It makes sense to identify who is carrying the virus and therefore at greater risk of developing pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions.
- Testing technology has advanced. The new HPV test is more sensitive in detecting pre-cancerous cells earlier and provides more accurate results than the traditional Pap test.
Another advantage: the HPV test only needs to be done every five years (instead of every three years with the Pap test).
This approach has already been adopted in most Canadian provinces and in other countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
What will the test feel like?
The experience will not feel very different. The exam still involves a speculum and a sample of cervical cells being collected by your healthcare provider and sent to the lab for analysis.
How does this affect our Rooted Pap Clinic?
Because of licensing regulations, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are not permitted to order HPV tests. This is why our Pap Clinic was temporarily on hold earlier this year while we awaited clarification on how the new guidelines applied.
The good news: NDs can still order the standard Pap test.
This option may be useful if:
- You would like to be screened more frequently than every five years
- Your HPV test was positive and you’d like the reassurance of an additional exam
- You don’t have access to a family doctor and cannot easily arrange HPV testing
We will continue to run our Pap Clinic on the last Friday of every other month, just as we have for the past few years.
A note of caution
Choosing a Pap test instead of HPV testing may not fulfill the OCSP’s official screening requirements. You may still be asked to complete HPV testing with your GP to remain up to date in the provincial program.
Want more details?
For the official Ontario Cervical Screening Guidelines and HPV test information, visit the Ontario Cancer Screening Program FAQ sheet.
Wish to book in for a pap test?
Call or follow us on instagram or facebook to find out when our next clinic will be held with Dr. Sarah Kiss, ND.
📍 Location: Rooted Naturopathic Clinic, Barrie
📞 Call to Book: 705-792-6717