Home / Health / Yukon women get new cervical cancer self-test option
Yukon women get new cervical cancer self-test option
19 Mar
Summary
- Self-administered HPV test kits will be available in Yukon next week.
- These kits reduce barriers for patients uncomfortable with pelvic exams.
- Results from the new HPV tests are typically available within six weeks.
Starting next week, individuals in the Yukon will have access to self-administered cervical cancer screening kits through select healthcare providers. This new initiative aims to make HPV testing more accessible and comfortable for patients. Historically, cervical cancer screening involved in-clinic Pap smears, but these new kits allow for self-collection of samples.
Dr. Sarah Saunders, an obstetrician and gynecologist, explained that self-swabbing helps overcome discomfort associated with traditional pelvic exams, which can be a barrier for many. The updated understanding of HPV detection means that vaginal swabs are sufficient, eliminating the need for direct cervical sampling.
Results from these self-administered tests are typically available within six weeks. While some providers only follow up on positive results, patients are advised to confirm their preferred follow-up procedure with their healthcare provider. This change aligns with updated guidelines recommending HPV screening every five years, reflecting the test's greater efficacy compared to traditional Pap smears.
For those without a regular healthcare provider, the kits will be available from March 23rd at the Whitehorse walk-in clinic, community health centres, the sexual health clinic, and the midwife clinic. While mail-in options are not currently available in the Yukon, they are being explored for the future, similar to services offered in Ontario and British Columbia.
