Cervical cancer: the HPV test called to replace the PAP test

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, announced Tuesday that the HPV test will be offered to all women from the age of 25.

Considered more sensitive than the PAP test, the HPV test will be carried out as a priority. If necessary, other tests may be carried out.

Recommended byINESSSNational Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services

Minister Dubé is thus following up on a recommendation made by the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) in a notice published last winter.

L’INESSSNational Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services recommended in particular to change the PAP test to an HPV test from the age of 25 until the age of 65, with screening every five years. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) says it supports these conclusions and undertakes to act on them.

Currently in Quebec, cervical cancer screening is offered opportunistically to all women aged 21 to 65 by means of a PAP test every two or three years.

Minister Christian Dubé affirms that the implementation of the HPV test will help improve access to care and reduce complications due to cancer of the cervix. (Archives)

Photo: The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson

Le MSSSMinistry of Health and Social Services believes that the implementation of the new program will allow all eligible people to have access to HPV screening according to a structured model aimed at limiting the barriers to the participation of those who wish to do so and improving the quality of the services offered.

The human papillomavirus is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. It is transmitted sexually or by direct contact with infected mucous membranes.

Self-debit

Until now, the PAP test, also called gynecological cytology, is the most widely used screening method in Quebec. It is carried out using a cell sample taken at the entrance to the cervix. Their analysis makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of cancerous cells.

The HPV test is a molecular test that aims to detect the nucleic acids of the virus from a genital swab. Unlike the PAP test, which requires a visit to the doctor and laboratory tests, the HPV test can be performed at home, by self-sampling.

In Canada, it is estimated that one in 168 women will develop cervical cancer during her lifetime.

In 2021, 1450 new cases of cervical cancer would have been detected in Canada, including 290 in Quebec.