Screening uses specialized tests to find potential health issues or conditions before symptoms appear. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.  It’s important to get screened for cervical cancer regularly because the risk of getting cervical cancer doesn’t decrease with age — getting screened can save your life.

In Alberta, there are currently two tests for cervical cancer screening. The Pap test has been used for many years to look for abnormal cells in the cervix. Starting in November 2025, a new cervical screening test will be available for women and people with a cervix aged 50 to 69. This new test looks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Click on each test to learn more.

Available screening tests:

• Cervical screening test (50 to 69 years)
• Pap test (25 to 49 years)
• Cervix self-sampling pilot project

All you have to do is make an appointment to have a Pap test at your healthcare provider’s or at a women’s health clinic. If needed, you can visit Where to Get Screened to find a location close to you to have a Pap test.

Words are Important  
We recognize that many gender diverse people may use different words for their body parts. We use the biological terms as a practice, but patients have the right to request that their healthcare providers use different words for their safety and comfort.

Should I get screened? 
In Alberta, there are two tests available to screen eligible individuals for cervical cancer. The Pap test has been used for many years to look for abnormal cells in the cervix. Starting in November 2025, a new cervical screening test will be introduced for women and people with a cervix aged 50 to 69. This test looks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. People of any gender identity or sexual orientation who have a cervix and have had sexual contact should consider their need for Pap tests.

Sexual contact includes any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, including touching, oral sex or intercourse with a partner of any sex, or genital contact with shared sex toys.

When is cervical cancer screening recommended? 

Consider getting regular cervical cancer screening if you’re between the ages of 25 and 69, have a cervix and have had sexual contact with anyone of any gender. Including if:

• You had bottom surgery to create a cervix. There’s a small risk that cancer can develop in the tissues of your neo-vagina or neo-cervix.
• You had a hysterectomy, but your cervix wasn’t removed.
• You’re taking testosterone and still have a cervix. Testosterone can sometimes cause changes in the cells of your cervix that look like pre-cancerous cells. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider and the lab because testosterone can affect your Pap test results.

Some things to consider: 
You may be at a higher risk of cervical cancer if you have a history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections or have a condition that weakens your immune system, like HIV.

If you’re between the ages of 25 and 49, plan to have a Pap test once every 3 years. Start at age 25 (or 3 years after your first sexual contact, whichever is later), unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. If you’re between the ages of 50 and 69, plan to have a cervical screening test every 5 years or every 3 years if you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).

When is cervical cancer screening not recommended? 

Cervical cancer screening is not recommended if:

• You’re younger than 25 years old
• You haven’t had sex or sexual contact, or it’s been less than 3 years since your first sexual contact
• You don’t have a cervix
• You had a complete hysterectomy including your cervix removed

You may still need regular testing if you have a personal history of abnormal Pap tests. Like a Pap test, a sample of cells is taken from your vaginal vault

It’s important to have cervical cancer screening regularly, even if:

• You’ve only had 1 sexual partner
• You’ve had the HPV vaccine
• You’ve been through menopause
• You’re no longer sexually active
• You’re a lesbian, bisexual, or queer woman
• You feel healthy and have no symptoms of cervical cancer

Visit screeningforlife.ca/cervical to learn more.

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Screening can be worrying for some people due to previous trauma, gender dysphoria, or a lack of trust in healthcare settings. It can be difficult to make cervical screening a priority, especially if you’re concerned about experiencing discrimination. All patients have the right to receive healthcare without discrimination. Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal screening needs and ways to make screening more comfortable for you.

How can I get screened?  
Your healthcare provider can do your Pap test or cervical screening test in their clinic or refer you to a provider of your choice.

If you need a healthcare provider:
• Visit albertafindadoctor.ca 
• Call Health Link at 8-1-1
• Visit search.cpsa.ca
(College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta)

Gender affirming clinics and providers: 

• DX Medical Centres – Medical Clinic in Edmonton 
• Wellness Centre in Edmonton
• Dr. Jillian DeMontigny (Haig West Family Health Care Clinic in Lethbridge)
• Justik Medical Clinic – Family Medicine Clinic in Edmonton 
• Dr. Ted Jablonski and others (Pinnacle Medical Centres in Calgary and surrounding area)
• Skipping Stone 
• Telus Virtual Health (province-wide) 
• The Alex in Calgary
• The Pride Centre in Edmonton 
• Trans Wellness Initiative (province-wide) 

Gender affirming clinics and providers – Indigenous:  

• Elbow River Healing Lodge in Calgary
• Indigenous Wellness Clinic in Edmonton 
• Dr James Makokis (South Common Medical Clinic in Edmonton)

*Please note, some clinics may not be accepting patients at this time. Contact the clinic directly to find out if they are accepting patients, have a waiting list, or can provide a referral.

Why am I included in the program?  
In Alberta, individuals are included in population-based screening based on their age and the sex marker on their Alberta ID card.

How can I opt out of the Program?  
There are two ways that individuals can opt out of the program:
1. Call Screening Programs at 1-866-727-3926. You will need to provide your personal health care number, name, and date of birth.
2. Change the sex marker on you Alberta ID card to match your gender identity and expression.
a. Information on how to do this can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/birth-record-sex-amendment. 
b. For help with this process, you can make an appointment with one of the Trans ID Clinics listed below:
Calgary: Skipping Stone
Web: https://www.skippingstone.ca/id-clinics
Tel: (587) 333-4342
Email: info@skippingstone.ca 
Edmonton: Student Legal Services of Edmonton
Web: https://www.slsedmonton.com/trans-id-project  
Tel: (780) 492-8287
Email: slsoed@ualberta.ca  

People of any gender identity or sexual orientation may need to get screened for cancer. It is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider about your personal cancer risk level and whether screening is right for you.

For More Information

Cancer Screening for the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
Download [info sheet] 
Breast/Chest Cancer Screening for the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
Download [info sheet] 
Cervical Cancer Screening for the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
Download [info sheet] 
LGBTQ2S+/Sexual and Gender Diversity, Alberta Health Services 
Sexual and Reproductive Health, Alberta Health Services

For 24/7 nurse advice or general health information, call Health Link at ​811​.

The following resource about cervical cancer screening was developed for First Nations people by the Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre. Alberta FNIGC Cervical Screening