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Cervix Screening for Health Professionals

Woman in dr office with cervix self-screening swab

About the Program

BC Cancer Cervix Screening has oversight responsibility for cervix screening in BC. The program reminds healthcare providers when their patients are due for screening, tracks adherence to screening recommendations, and monitors system performance and outcomes of cervix screening activities. 

BC is transitioning from cytology (Pap test) to HPV testing as the primary screening method for cervical cancer. Cervix self-screening is recommended every five years for women and people with a cervix ages 25-69 (or every three years for those who are recommended to have a Pap test).

Screening tests are analyzed and results are provided by the Cervical Cancer Screening Laboratory (CCSL), which is operated by PHSA’s Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services. 

You might be looking for....

  • BULLETIN: Cervix Screening in BC: Transitioning from Cytology (Pap Test) to HPV Primary Screening December 2023 (PDF)
Who can order self-screening swabs

Health care providers (such as physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, registered nurses) who possess the competencies required to appropriately assess patient eligibility for cervix screening and to support patients with recommended follow-up care, can order the self-screening devices.

How to order self-screening swabs

Starting on January 29th, cervix self-screening swabs will be available on the Cervix Screening Supplies online system  for health care providers or community health clinics to order. This is the same system currently used to order LBC/Pap test supplies. If your clinic has not used the Cervix Screening Supplies online system before, enrol your clinic by completing the Cervix Screening Supplies registration form.

As a reminder, before offering self-screening to a patient, ensure the patient is due and eligible for self-screening to avoid risks associated with over-screening. Please refer to the  Resource Guide for Health Care Providers to become familiar with the eligibility criteria.


Program Overview
An overview of the BC Cancer Cervix Screening Program detailing eligibility and screening recommendations.

Cervix Self-Screening at the Clinic Instructions 

Cervix Self-Screen or LBC Sample Collection Algorithm


Promotions material in clinic
Resources
Find patient education, promotional and program materials.

Cervix screening resources
SOURCE: Cervix Screening for Health Professionals ( )
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