Routine HPV screening
Screening for eligible people aged 25 and older who have a cervix.
Pap Test
Book a Pap Test in Scarborough.
Get respectful, patient-centred cervical screening using Ontario's current HPV-based test.
Prevention through screening
A Pap test with comfort and consent at the centre
Ontario now performs Pap test appointments using an HPV-based cervical screening test. We explain the process before beginning, answer questions and support accommodations that help you feel more comfortable.
Current Ontario screening
HPV-based testing aligned with provincial eligibility and follow-up guidance.
Respectful care
The examination proceeds only with your understanding and ongoing consent.
Clear follow-up
Learn how results are communicated and whether another test is recommended.
Screening support
Pap test support at every appropriate stage
Eligibility, timing and follow-up depend on age, previous results, immune status and Ontario's current cervical screening guidance.
Previous abnormal result
Review prior HPV, cytology or colposcopy information before planning follow-up.
Overdue screening
Discuss whether you are due under Ontario's current five-year routine interval.
After HPV vaccination
Vaccinated people still need screening because the vaccine does not cover every risk.
After menopause
Screening may continue based on age, history and previous results.
After hysterectomy
The need for screening depends on what surgery was performed and why.
Comfort accommodations
Discuss pain, anxiety, trauma history, mobility or a preference for a support person.
Symptoms needing assessment
Unusual bleeding, pain or discharge needs diagnostic care rather than routine screening alone.
What to expect
A straightforward visit from arrival to next steps
Know what happens before you arrive, while you are with the clinician and after your assessment.
1
Confirm you are due
Review age, sexual-contact history, previous results and the date of your last screen.
2
Discuss comfort
Ask questions and agree on positioning, speculum size and ways to pause or stop.
3
Collect the sample
A speculum is inserted and a small soft brush collects cells from the cervix.
4
Plan for results
Confirm how results will arrive and what follow-up may be needed.
Prepare for your visit
Bring the essentials
A little preparation helps the clinician understand your health and make safer decisions.
- Ontario health card or other coverage information
- Dates and reports from previous cervical screening
- Information about prior colposcopy or cervical treatment
- Medication, allergy and relevant surgical history
- Any accessibility, language or comfort requests
What a Pap test checks
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus. HPV is common and often clears without causing harm. Screening identifies people whose current result suggests a higher chance of cervical cell changes and who may benefit from closer follow-up.
Ontario replaced the routine Pap test with HPV-based screening in March 2025. The sample is still collected from the cervix during a speculum examination. The laboratory checks for high-risk HPV and can perform cytology on the same sample when indicated. This approach allows most people with a negative result to wait five years before their next routine screen.
Eligibility and timing
The Ontario Cervical Screening Program generally includes people who have an OHIP number, are at least 25, have a cervix, have ever had sexual contact and are due for screening. Most can stop between age 65 and 69 if they meet exit criteria, but individual history matters.
Screening remains important after HPV vaccination, menopause, a long period without sexual activity or a same-sex relationship. People who are immunocompromised, had previous abnormal results or attended colposcopy may need more frequent follow-up.
What happens during your Pap test appointment
You undress from the waist down in private and are provided with a drape. The clinician explains positioning and gently inserts a speculum to see the cervix. A small brush collects the sample. The collection is brief, though pressure or mild cramping may occur.
Consent is continuous. You can ask to pause or stop. Tell the clinician about pregnancy possibility, pain with examinations, trauma history, mobility limitations or vaginal dryness. These details can help tailor the visit.
Screening is not a symptom test
Routine screening is intended for people without cervical-cancer symptoms. Bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or after menopause, persistent unusual discharge or pelvic pain should be assessed as symptoms. A screening test alone may not be the right investigation.
Cervical screening does not test for every gynecologic cancer or for common STIs. Ask separately about sexual-health testing when relevant.
Results and follow-up
A negative result usually means routine screening again in five years. A positive HPV result does not mean cancer. Depending on the HPV type and any cell changes, the recommendation may be repeat testing, colposcopy or another follow-up pathway. Confirm how the clinic will contact you and do not ignore a recommended follow-up.
Read Ontario’s current cervical cancer screening and prevention guidance.
Medical information is for general education and does not replace professional advice. Eligibility and follow-up depend on current provincial guidance and personal history.
Before you visit
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about accessing walk-in care at our Scarborough clinic.
What does a Pap test check for?
A Pap test is the familiar name for cervical screening. Since March 2025, Ontario's organized program has used a more accurate HPV-based cervical screening test. The laboratory first checks the collected sample for high-risk HPV and may examine cell changes when indicated.
Who is eligible for routine screening?
Ontario generally recommends screening for people aged 25 or older who have a cervix, have ever had sexual contact and meet program criteria. Symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge need a diagnostic assessment rather than routine screening alone.
How often is screening needed?
Most eligible people with a negative result are screened every five years. People who are immunocompromised or have certain previous results may need a different interval. Follow the recommendation attached to your result.
Do I need screening after HPV vaccination?
Yes. HPV vaccination lowers risk but does not protect against every cancer-associated type and may have been given after prior exposure. Continue screening according to Ontario guidance.
What if the examination is painful or I feel anxious?
Tell the clinician before and during the examination. You can ask questions, request adjustments, pause or stop at any time. A smaller speculum, different position, support person or rescheduled visit may help.