HPV and Cervical cancer screening in Manitoba

 Cervical cancer is NOT just a woman's issue! It can affect men too, as it can be passed through HPV infection and can cause penis cancer and cause genital warts in all genders.

In Manitoba cervical cancer testing is done through Cervix Check. https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/screening/info/cervix. All women are eligible for a screening test, called a pap test, every three years from age 21 to 69. A pap test involves the person lying down, a speculum inserted into the vagina to hold it open and a small swab is used to collect cells from the cervix. It is quick and painless, although it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable. Your family doctor can do this for you or you can go to the cancer screening clinic near you. In Winnipeg there are at least 10 clinics and there are many more throughout the province. Simply enter your postal code on the screening clinic website to find a facility near you. No referral is necessary.

An abnormal pap test is not cause for alarm. The next step is either to wait and repeat the test in a few months or to have a biopsy, called a colposcopy, taken. Most commonly an abnormal pap test is due to inflammation, infection or minor non-cancerous changes. If it happens to be cancer the next steps would involve removing it, beginning with a minor procedure in a doctors office and graduating up to a total hysterectomy, depending on stage. It is not necessary for women aged 70 and over to be screened as cervical cancer develops slowly and at this age, the risk is very low as long as previous pap smears were normal.

Many abnormal changes in the cervix, including most cervical cancer is due to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections. HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and Manitoba Health provides free vaccination to both males and females beginning at age 12. It is important to be vaccinated before first sexual activity for better protection, although it can be given later as well. Being vaccinated can prevent cancer! It's important for parents to realize that their children will eventually become sexually active and helping protect them from cancer is a gift. As the new school year is starting, another new cohort of students will become eligible for the HPV vaccine. https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/hpv.html