Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) mails letters to people with a cervix who are ages 30 to 69 inviting them to get a Pap test through the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. We also send letters to people ages 21 to 69 to tell them their test results and remind them when it is time to get screened again.
We send letters inviting people to start screening when they turn 30 years old.
After a Pap test result, we send recall letters reminding people who are at average risk to get screened again in 3 years if they qualify.
After screening tests are analyzed, participating labs tell the doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife who did the test, and Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) about your results. We also send you your test results by mail:
For information on what an abnormal Pap test result means and what happens next, see What your abnormal Pap test means.
In some situations, letters are sent to remind you about getting screened or about next steps after you get your results.
The privacy notice tells you about our cancer screening programs and how your information is protected.
February 16, 2024
JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1
Dear JANE SAMPLE:
Our records show that it is time for you to get a Pap test to protect you from cervical cancer. This year about 1,500 people will get cervical cancer in Canada, and every day at least 1 person will die from this preventable disease.
A Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is almost 100% preventable with regular Pap tests and following up with a doctor after an abnormal Pap result. That’s why eligible Ontarians ages 21 to 69 are asked to have a Pap test every 3 years.
A Pap test only takes a few minutes and is covered every 3 years under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
You can get a Pap test from your family doctor or at many medical clinics across Ontario.
It’s your call to make. Book a Pap test today.
Judy Linton, RN, B.Sc.N, M.H.Sc.
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health
Book your test!
Book an appointment with your family doctor
What if you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner? Call Health811 at 811; TTY: 1.866.797.0007 or visit ontario.ca/health811.
Visit a clinic that offers Pap tests if you prefer
Health811 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can help you find a clinic near you that offers Pap tests. Call 811; TTY: 1.866.797.0007 or visit ontario.ca/health811.
Do I need a Pap test if…
Have questions?
What is a Pap test (also known as a Pap smear)?
A Pap test looks for early cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer. An instrument, called a speculum, is inserted in your vagina and samples of your cervical cells are taken with a soft brush so they can be looked at under a microscope. Pap tests are not perfect. A single test could miss some abnormal cells, so it is important to do the test every 3 years. If you have abnormal bleeding or discharge from your vagina, see your doctor even if your last Pap test was normal.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection with HPV is very common. Most people will not know they have it because there are often no symptoms and the infection goes away without causing harm. HPV is sexually transmitted and causes cell changes in the cervix that are usually found with a Pap test. HPV can cause cancer when the infection does not go away, although it usually takes many years for cancer to develop.
How often do I need a Pap test?
Every 3 years, ages 21 to 69. To help you and your healthcare provider remember when it is time for your Pap test, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) will send a reminder letter directly to you. We will also send you a letter about your Pap test result a few weeks after your test.
How much does a Pap test cost?
Pap test screening every 3 years is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
What happens after I get my Pap test?
A few weeks after your Pap test, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) sends a letter to you with your result. If the result is abnormal, you will be asked to contact your healthcare provider.
Who is Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)?
Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) is an Ontario government agency. For more information on our cancer screening programs, visit ontario.ca/cancercheck, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or 1.866.662.9233 .
To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time. Your privacy matters: visit cancercareontario.ca/screeningphi.
Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538 / TTY 1.800.855.0511 | info@ontariohealth.ca
Document disponible en français en contactant info@ontariohealth.ca