HPV Cervical Cancer Screening FAQs

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. There are over 200 types of HPV, and different types affect the body in different ways.

Some types are low risk and can cause warts on hands, feet, or genitals. Other types are higher risk and can lead to certain cancers over time, including cervical cancer and cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and head and neck. 

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. This can include vaginal sex, oral sex, genital touching, genital-to-genital contact, and sharing sex toys.

HPV is very common. About 75% of sexually active people in Canada will get at least one HPV infection in their lifetime if they are not vaccinated. Most people have no symptoms and may not know they have HPV. HPV can affect people of all sexes and genders.

In most cases, HPV goes away on its own. However, some higher-risk types can stay in the body. Over time, this can cause changes to cells in the cervix. If these changes are not found and treated, they may lead to cervical cancer.

Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own.

Sometimes, the virus can stay in the body. Some low-risk types of HPV can cause warts, including genital warts.

Higher-risk types may cause changes to cells in the cervix or other areas of the body, such as the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. These changes usually do not cause symptoms. In rare cases, they can lead to cancer over time.

In most cases, the body clears HPV on its own. However, some factors can make it harder to clear the virus.

These include smoking (such as cigarettes, vaping, and e-cigarettes) and having a weakened immune system (for example, due to certain health conditions or medications).

As people get older, the body may also be less able to clear the virus.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent high-risk HPV infection. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil®9) protects against several types of HPV that can cause cancer, as well as types that cause genital warts.

Gardasil®9 is available to all Canadian Armed Forces members, regardless of sex, gender, or age. People aged 21 and older need two doses of the vaccine, while those under 21 need one dose.

Using barrier protection, such as condoms or dental dams, can also help lower the risk of spreading HPV.

Yes. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil®9) can still protect you against other high-risk HPV types, as well as types that cause genital warts.

While it is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, vaccination can still provide benefits after becoming sexually active and even after testing positive for a high-risk type.

If your healthcare provider is doing a speculum exam, you can ask if you are due for cervical cancer screening. If you are due, HPV testing can often be done at the same time.

If you are not due for screening, HPV testing is not usually added.

Screening tests look for signs of disease before symptoms appear.

Cervical cancer screening helps find changes in the cervix early, before they turn into cancer or when treatment works best. Regular screening can help prevent cervical cancer.

HPV testing is a screening test for cervical cancer. It looks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause changes to cells in the cervix.

These cell changes can develop into cancer over time if they are not found and managed. Finding high-risk HPV helps healthcare providers decide who may need closer follow-up or further testing.

HPV testing is usually offered starting at age 25.

If HPV testing is available in your area, you should have it when you are due for cervical cancer screening.

If you are under 25 and have questions about screening, speak with your healthcare provider. If you are unsure when you are due for screening, contact your CDU.

A Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It looks for changes in cells from the cervix.

During the test, a healthcare provider collects a small sample of cells from the cervix to be checked in a lab.

Abnormal results are often caused by changes linked to HPV.

The HPV test is better at finding people who are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

It looks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause changes to cells in the cervix. People with high-risk HPV can be followed more closely to see if the infection clears or leads to cell changes.

The HPV test is better at finding people who are at higher risk of cervical cancer. It is more reliable and less likely to miss an infection.

A false negative result means the test shows a lower risk when someone may actually be at higher risk. This is less common with HPV testing than with a Pap test.

Because HPV testing is more accurate, screening can safely be done every 5 years instead of every 3 years.

For the patient, the HPV test is done in a similar way to a Pap test. A healthcare provider collects a small sample from the cervix.

The difference is in how the sample is tested in the lab. Instead of looking directly at the cells, the lab checks for high-risk types of HPV.

Once available in the Canadian Armed Forces, eligible people may also have the option to collect their own sample using a self-collected swab (“self-swab”).

Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types, but not all of them.

Cervical cancer screening is still important, even if you have been vaccinated.

No. The HPV test is only used for cervical cancer screening.

If you would like testing for other infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, speak with your healthcare provider.

No. A positive result means you have a high-risk type of HPV, not cancer.

Most HPV infections go away on their own. However, if the infection stays in the body over time, it can lead to changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer if not found and managed.

If you have a positive result, you will need follow-up testing or exams. Your healthcare provider will explain the next steps.

Your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps.

Depending on the result, you may need to have another test in one year, or you may be referred to a specialist (gynecologist) for further assessment, such as a colposcopy.

Colposcopy is a closer examination of the cervix using a special magnifying instrument (colposcope).

During the procedure, a speculum is used to gently open the vagina so the cervix can be seen. A solution is applied to highlight any abnormal areas.

If any abnormal areas are found, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken and sent to a lab for testing. Colposcopy is usually done by a specialist (gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist).

There is no treatment for HPV itself. In most cases, the infection goes away on its own.

If HPV causes changes to cells in the cervix, a healthcare provider may treat or remove the affected cells to help prevent cancer.

If HPV causes genital warts, they can be treated with medications or minor procedures.

No. A positive HPV result does not mean that your partner cheated.

HPV can stay in the body for years without causing symptoms. It is often not possible to know when the infection started or how long someone has had it.

It is your choice whether to tell your partner.

HPV is very common, and most sexually active people are exposed to it at some point. In many cases, partners may already have HPV.

If you have questions or concerns, you can speak with your healthcare provider about what feels right for you.

For more information please visit: Cancer Screening for CAF members - Canada.ca