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.  

Eligible individuals may also request an HPV self-sampling test at any local health centre or primary care clinic in the Northwest Territories, allowing them to perform a quick and easy test on-site or in the comfort of their home.

Related Resources:

• Eligibility Poster: HPV Self-Sampling Test
• Instructional Pamphlet: HPV Self-Sampling Kit
• Frequently Asked Questions: Cervical Cancer Screening
• HPV Self-Testing Mail-Out Pilot Project 

 
New NWT Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines, released in April 2025, recommend that screening should begin at age 25 for women, non-binary, Two Spirit, transgender, or intersex and gender-diverse individuals with a cervix who do not have cervical cancer symptoms. Screening should happen every three (3) years, and should stop at age 69 for average risk women and individuals with a cervix (age 74 in those who are immunocompromised).

 

Signs or symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical screening is for individuals who have no symptoms of cervical cancer. Early stages of cervical cancer can have no or subtle symptoms. Below are symptoms that may appear once changes to the cells of the cervix have already happened. 

If you notice any of the below symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider right away and not wait:

• Abnormal genital bleeding (genital bleeding that is not normal for you, between your period/monthly bleeding, after menopause, or after sex)
• Abnormal or increased amount of genital discharge (change in genital discharge that is not normal for you) 
• Foul-smelling genital discharge
• Unusually long or heavy period/monthly bleeding 
• Pain during sexual contact
• Difficulty peeing or pooping 
• Pain in the pelvic area or lower back

If you or a family member has already had cancer, or you are experiencing any unusual signs or symptoms, discuss your options for cancer screening with your primary healthcare provider, as you may be eligible for different tests.

Talk to your primary healthcare provider about your eligibility for cervical cancer screening and whether it is appropriate for you.