Urgences QC
Check the costEvery 5 years
Cervical test (HPV)
HPV test (or the Pap test where the HPV test isn’t offered yet, such as Montréal)
If you have a cervix
How to get it
1
Call your family doctor or nurse practitioner, a family medicine group (GMF), a CLSC or a clinic and ask whether you can get a cervical cancer screening test there.
2
If you don’t have a family doctor, the Primary Care Access Point (GAP) can also help. You can apply online or call 811 and choose option 3.
3
In Montréal, the HPV test isn’t yet offered as the main screening test, so the Pap test is still used. Your card above shows how often each one is recommended. Ask which test they use.
4
If you’re new to Quebec, a health professional or an intercultural community worker can help you make the appointment.
5
The professional who did the test gives you the result. It may also appear in your Québec Health Booklet after a month or more.
What to say
“Hello, I’d like an appointment for cervical cancer screening. Do you do the HPV test or the Pap test?
What it’s like
The test takes a few minutes. The health professional inserts a speculum into the vagina to hold it open and uses a small brush to collect cells from the cervix, which are sent to a lab. It can be uncomfortable and may cause some light bleeding. Self-sampling at home isn’t available in Quebec yet.
The details
Who it’s for
People with a cervix aged 25 to 65 who are or have been sexually active: the HPV test every 5 years, first 3 years after your last Pap test; if your immune system is weakened, every 3 years, first 1 year after your last Pap test; in Montréal, where the HPV test isn’t offered yet, the Pap test every 2 to 3 years from age 21.
Cost
Not stated on the official page; ask when you book