In addition to
cervix screening (Pap test) every three years, you should look out for any unusual changes to your body. I
t is important to monitor your health and be aware of any unusual changes – even if you recently had a normal cervical cancer screening.
Symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding in between periods, bleeding during/after sex or after menopause),
- Abnormal or persistent vaginal discharge,
- Pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse.
If you have any of these symptoms, please talk to your doctor or health care provider.
You can take two steps to prevent cervical cancer – get screened every three years and get the HPV vaccine if you are between the ages of 9-45.
The HPV vaccine is provided free to students in Grade 6 in BC. The vaccine protects against types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. If you have received the vaccine you still need to be screened, as the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. To learn more about the HPV vaccine,
visit ImmunizeBC.
