By Ruby Pratka
Local Journalism Initiative
The CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS is now offering a new test for human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, public health officials announced last week.
The test replaces the “pap smear” test for HPV and cervical cancer that women are generally advised to get every two to three years between the ages of 21 and 65. Women will now only have to get tested every five years, unless they are at particularly high risk due to a weakened immune system, chronic HPV infections or a history of cancer in the genital area. Regular testing will begin at age 25 instead of 21. The new test is also more precise than its predecessor, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
The new test is not less invasive than the classic “pap smear,” which involves a family doctor or gynecologist inserting a speculum into the patient’s vagina and then using a small brush or spatula to collect a sample of cells. However, patients can now choose to have their doctor do the test or collect the cell sample themselves under a doctor’s supervision. According to the MSSS, studies are also underway to look into the effectiveness of take-home test kits.
Dr. Valérie Carré is a gynecologist at Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins hospital. She explained that the previous test – developed more than 50 years ago, before scientists made the link between HPV and cervical cancer – was designed to detect precancerous cells; by detecting the virus before it can cause cervical cancer, it allows doctors and patients to get ahead of the disease.
“When the HPV test is negative, we are not worried for the next five years. We can space out the tests more, and it’s more reassuring for the patient. It’s also cost- and time-effective because it allows us to focus follow-up testing on those who really need it.”
HPV is a very common sexually transmitted disease – more than 80 per cent of women who are sexually active will be infected at one point in their lives. HPV infections often clear up on their own, especially in younger women. People who test positive may be referred for further testing, although Carré hopes the more precise exam will reduce the need for invasive follow-up testing for patients who ultimately don’t need it.
The new test has been rolled out gradually, region by region; it is now available in 12 of Quebec’s 19 regions. Concurrently, there’s an ongoing provincewide vaccination campaign against HPV; the vaccine – which is injected in the upper arm like most vaccines – is free to anyone under age 46 with a cervix. Appointments can be made via ClicSanté. While getting the vaccine lowers your risk of developing cervical cancer by 90 per cent, it does not remove the need for regular exams, Carré said.
Carré said social taboos around discussing young people’s sexuality – especially in preadolescence, when the HPV vaccine is recommended – are still causing unnecessary anxiety, and at worst, unnecessary infection. “We need to inform people as early as possible as to what HPV is, what the consequences are, and the importance of vaccination and testing to get ahead of the precancerous cells.”
“The HPV test is part of the efforts of the MSSS to prioritize cancer prevention,” public health officials said in a statement. “It should be noted that HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Early detection of this disease allows for faster action to prevent the health of affected women from deteriorating, which represents a step forward in women’s health. It should be noted that the MSSS is working on implementing the first-ever national health prevention strategy, which will focus in particular on the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and early screening.”
“”The fight against cervical cancer is crucial. This requires better access to a screening test like this. It’s a major advance in preventive health that can really make a difference. This is very good news for women in the Eastern Townships,” said Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest. “I’m proud that they can now benefit from it, and I encourage them to take advantage of it now.”