Alberta to switch cervical cancer screening to HPV testing

Alberta is replacing routine Pap smears with an HPV-based screening test, initially offered to people aged 50 to 69 with plans to expand to ages 25 to 49.

Alberta is replacing routine Pap smears with a new HPV-based screening test for cervical cancer risk. Pap smears look for abnormal or cancerous cells in the cervix. The new test screens for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types that cause most cervical cancers and officials say it can detect risk earlier. Health authorities also report the interval between tests will be extended under the new approach. Key facts: - The Alberta government is replacing routine Pap smears with an HPV-based cervical cancer screening test. - The test screens for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types that are reported to cause most cervical cancers. - Officials say the HPV test is more effective at detecting risk and will extend the screening interval (Pap: every three years; HPV test: every five years). - The program is currently being offered to people aged 50 to 69, with plans to expand to those aged 25 to 49. - Self-sampling pilot projects were conducted last year in Alberta, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador. - Dr. Jack Pang, medical lead at the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program, recommended publicly funded HPV vaccination for Albertans under 26. Summary: The government said that once the program is fully rolled out, Pap smears will no longer be the routine test for diagnosing cervical cancer. Expansion to younger age groups and wider availability of self-sampling kits are planned, though specific timelines were not provided.