The HPV test aims to detect the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to the appearance of abnormal cells or precancerous lesions. Since 2022, it has gradually replaced the Papanicolaou (Pap) test as the primary examination in order to offer “more precise and less frequent cervical cancer screening,” indicates the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) in a press release.
For most women, HPV testing is recommended every five years, while Pap testing should be done every two to three years. It also allows early detection. The Pap test will still be necessary for in-depth examinations if the HPV test shows a positive result.
HPV infection – there are more than a hundred of them – is the main cause of cervical cancer. And early detection of the disease makes it possible to act more quickly, recalls the Ministry.
The transition between the two tests is underway and must be completed in five more regions: Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Centre-du-Québec, Nord-du-Québec, Mauricie and Montreal. You can check the deployment of the service on the MSSS website or with family medicine groups (GMF), local community service centers (CLSC) and clinics in your region.
You can ask your family doctor for an HPV test or, if you do not have one, make an appointment on Clic santé. Some clinics mentioned on the site are private and may charge you a fee. Remember to check if the exam is free before committing.
Vaccinate to prevent
Vaccination is also an effective way to fight cancers caused by HPV. In addition to cervical cancer, these viruses can cause genital or anal warts as well as lesions that can lead to cancers of the throat, vagina, vulva, anus and penis.
The HPV vaccine is offered free to anyone aged 20 and under. It is also currently offered to ages 21 to 45 and will remain so until the remaining doses are used up.
Herd immunity against HPV
According to a study published in February by researchers at Laval University, vaccination against human papilloma viruses led to a significant reduction in the circulation of the four types of HPV targeted by the first vaccines in Quebec. The results, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, indicate that these viruses affect less than 0.5% of the population, while the most widespread type before the launch of the vaccination campaign reached around 16% of the population.
The D teamre Chantal Sauvageau, professor at the faculty of medicine at Laval University, showed that the circulation of HPV has become so low that even unvaccinated people “benefit from a form of protection attributable to herd immunity”.
The HPV vaccination program was implemented in 2008 and was then aimed at girls aged 9 to 17. It was expanded to boys in 2016. Today, the vaccine protects against nine types of viruses and is offered to young people aged 9 to 20.
Also read: Why vaccinate boys against HPV? and Breast cancer and HPV screening: how to access it?
