Pap tests

What is a Pap test?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Canadian women between the ages of 20 and 44. Starting at age 21, all women should be screened for cervical cancer by a Pap test. This test involves taking a sample of cervical cells and examining them for potentially cancerous cells.

When should I get a Pap test?

These tests should be conducted every 2-3 years. If you haven’t had a Pap smear in several years, it’s a good idea to get one before you conceive. That way, if you need treatment, you won’t need to delay until after delivery. Some women will not have been in touch with a health care provider and will not have had a Pap smear before pregnancy. In this case, a Pap test can be safely done during pregnancy.