What is Cervical Cancer? 

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, or the lower part of the uterus which is connected to the vagina/internal genitalia. It happens when these cells start to change and grow into a cancerous lesion or tumour, which can spread to other parts of the body. Cervical cancer can happen to any individual with a cervix, who is, or has had sexual contact. Most cervical cancers are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

Cervical cancer can be detected early by having regular HPV testing. This test can be completed at any health centre, health cabin, or primary care clinic. HPV testing is completed by trained healthcare providers using a swab in the vaginal vault/internal genitalia. The swab can be completed by yourself or by a healthcare provider. The cells from the swab are then sent to the healthcare laboratory and are analyzed looking for HPV.