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 having, or has had sexual contact. Most cervical cancers are caused by something called the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of viruses that are classified as either low or high-risk. These viruses are spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including oral sex, genital contact, digital sex (finger), or penetrative sex. HPV is considered the most common sexually transmitted infection, with 80% of people who have had sexual contact becoming infected with an HPV virus at some point in their lifetime. Most people who get HPV will never know they have it because their body’s immune system will usually clear the virus before it causes any problems. It is when a high-risk type of HPV virus stays in the body for too long, often 10+ years, that it can begin to cause changes to the cells of the cervix. Symptoms of cervical cancer may only be noticed once these changes to the cells have already occurred.

In April 2025, the Northwest Territories updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines to HPV testing. 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.  

HPV is a vaccine-preventable infection that can cause cancer. Not all HPV strains cause cancer, but there are high-risk HPV strains that can cause cells to change into cancer cells and should be monitored.

HPV testing enables earlier detection of high-risk strains of HPV, before cells have had a chance to change. Previously, Papanicolaou (PAP) tests looked for abnormal cells that had already changed within the cervix because of HPV, but did not routinely test for HPV itself before these changes happened.

Residents who test positive for the four main high-risk HPV strains will be referred directly to colposcopy (a procedure where a healthcare provider uses a specialized instrument internally to check for abnormal tissue), while those who show other high-risk HPV strains will be followed up with a PAP test (if they are otherwise healthy individuals) or referred directly to colposcopy (if they are immunocompromised).

Who should be screened for cervical cancer?

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.

*Individuals who have received the HPV vaccination should also get screened*

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

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

Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer for women and individuals with a cervix worldwide. Regardless of age, you can talk to your healthcare provider if any symptoms or concerns regarding cervical cancer occur. Getting the HPV vaccine – which is free of charge for all genders between the ages of 9-26 and available for a fee if you are 27 and older – and routine cervical cancer screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

How can I get screened?

An HPV test can be done at any health centre, health cabin, public health, or primary care clinic. Call to book an appointment with your primary healthcare provider to be screened. Try to schedule your test for a time when you are not having your monthly bleeding/period. Somewhere right between this time each month is best.

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

What to bring to your appointment

Arrive 15-20 minutes early to check in for your appointment. To check in, you will be required to show your healthcare card.

Getting your results

About 2 weeks after your HPV test, a report will be sent to your primary healthcare provider with your results in your electronic medical record. You will only be contacted if you have an abnormal (positive) result and follow-up is needed. If you would like to know your results either way, you can always call the health centre, health cabin, or primary care clinic and ask. Follow up with your primary healthcare provider to find out when you are due for your next HPV test.

Related Pages:

• Cancer NWT: Cervical Cancer Screening