Cervical cancer screening in Canada: Environmental scan (2017)

April 1, 2017

Review this summary from April 2017 of the key components for cervical cancer screening programs and strategies across Canada

As of 2017, organized cervical cancer screening programs are available in most provinces across Canada. The programs screen women who are at an average risk for cervical cancer and show no signs or symptoms. There are no organized cervical cancer screening programs in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon or Quebec. However, in those areas, a primary care provider may offer screening outside of the context of an organized screening program.

Data is collected annually about national, provincial and territorial cervical cancer screening guidelines, strategies and activities for helping inform policies and practices.

 Discover more about these highlights:

• Nine provinces have organized cervical cancer screening programs. The first program began in British Columbia in 1960, and the most recent program began in New Brunswick in 2014.
• Provinces and territories recommend that cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21 or 25, continue until age 65 to 70 and occur every two to three years.

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