Cervical Screening Guidelines Summary

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Screening Initiation

Current Ontario Cervical Screening Program cervical screening recommendations state that people should begin cervical screening at age 21 if they are or have ever been sexually active. The Ontario Cervical Screening Program will formally change the age of initiation for cervical screening from 21 to 25 with the implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in the program except for people who are immunocompromised. Until the change is formally implemented, we will continue to encourage primary care providers to consider delaying screening until age 25 except for people who are immunocompromised. For details see Cervical Screening at Age 25.

Qualifying Statement

People who are not sexually active by the age of initiation should delay cervical cancer screening until sexually active.