1) What is HPV and the HPV vaccine
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex. It is estimated that about 75% of sexually active people will get at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. Often HPV infections will have no symptoms and most infections go away by themselves within two years. But sometimes, HPV infections can lead to several types of cancers in men and women, including cervical, oral pharyngeal, anal, and penile. One way to lower your risks and protect yourself from HPV infections and related cancers is to get vaccinated for HPV.
More information on the HPV vaccine is available here.
2) I have had the HPV vaccine. Do I still need to have a Pap test?
Yes. The HPV vaccine will protect you from a few types of HPV. By getting regular Pap tests you will make sure abnormal cells due to other types of HPV or other causes will be detected early and treated if necessary.
3) What is an HPV test and why is it needed?
The HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV types. Research shows that HPV testing can help identify women who presently have cervical lesions or are most likely to have precancerous changes and are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
In NB, the HPV test is recommended only for use in women 30 years of age and older as a follow-up to specific abnormal Pap test results. An HPV test is usually completed from a Pap test specimen.
Currently, the HPV test is not used as a replacement for the Pap test. However, the Program is working with stakeholders on the transition from Pap to HPV testing in the near future and in alignment with Canada’s Action Plan to Eliminate Cervical Cancer, 2020-2030).
More information on HPV testing is available at the Canadian Cancer Society.
New Brunswick’s HPV testing recommendations can be found at: New Brunswick Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening Program Clinical Practice Guidelines.