Frequent questions

• Is the HPV test right for me?

  Cervical cancer screening with HPV testing is generally recommended for people 25 to 65 who have a cervix.

  This test is intended for people who want routine screening and do not have symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual pain, or unexplained vaginal discharge.

  The HPV test is a screening test, not a diagnostic test for cancer. A positive result does not mean you have cancer. It detects the presence of certain high-risk HPV types associated with the development of precancerous changes in the cervix.

  In Quebec, current recommendations call for HPV testing every 5 years for people aged 25 to 65 when it is used as the primary screening test.

• Why is cervical cancer screening important?

  Cervical cancer can develop slowly, often without symptoms at first. Screening helps detect the presence of high-risk HPV before cancer develops.

  Most cervical cancers are linked to a persistent infection with certain types of HPV. Screening is therefore an important tool for prevention and early detection.

  Certain factors can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, including:

  • persistent infection with a high-risk HPV type;
  • co-infection with certain STIs;
  • smoking;
  • a weakened immune system;
  • a history of precancerous cervical lesions;
  • irregular or absent screening history.

  Abnormal vaginal bleeding should always be assessed by a healthcare professional. In this case, it is no longer considered routine screening: a medical evaluation is recommended.

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• What is the difference between the HPV test and the Pap test?

  The HPV test and the Pap test are both used for cervical cancer screening, but they do not look for the same thing.

  The HPV test looks directly for certain high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. The Pap testlooks for abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix.

  Québec is transitioning toward HPV testing as the primary screening method, partly because it is more sensitive than the Pap test for detecting people at risk.

• Why self-sampling?

  Vaginal self-sampling is done by you during your clinic visit — without a pelvic exam by a nurse. This testing method offers comfort and privacy, with sensitivity comparable to clinician-collected sampling for detecting high-risk HPV strains. 

• Is cervical cancer screening painful?

  At Prelib, HPV screening is offered through self-collection. It is simple, quick, and usually causes little discomfort.

  The sample collection only takes a few minutes. You may feel slight pressure or temporary discomfort, but there is no pelvic exam, no speculum, and no sample collected by a healthcare professional.

• How often should I get screened for cervical cancer?

  If you are between 25 and 65 years old, it is generally recommended to get an HPV test every 5 years.

  In certain situations, such as immunosuppression, a history of precancerous lesions, or specific medical follow-up, a different screening frequency may be recommended.

  If you recently had a Pap test, you may need to wait before having an HPV test. Our team can help determine whether the test is appropriate for you.

• Should I still get screened if I am vaccinated against HPV?

  Yes. HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection from certain types of HPV, but it does not necessarily protect against all high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer.

  Even if you are vaccinated, it is still recommended to follow screening guidelines based on your age and clinical situation.

• Can I get screened for cervical cancer if I’m under 25?

  Routine HPV screening is generally recommended starting at age 25.

  If you are under 25, the test is usually not indicated as part of routine screening. However, if you have symptoms, concerns, or a medical prescription, an evaluation may be needed.

  In this case, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate service.

• What happens if my HPV test result is positive?

  A positive result means that a high-risk HPV type has been detected. It does not mean you have cancer.

  Depending on the type of HPV detected and your clinical situation, additional testing or follow-up will be recommended. In all cases, complementary cytology is required, and a colposcopy may be indicated.

  A colposcopy is an exam performed by a gynecologist that allows the cervix to be examined more closely to detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells and/or lesions.

  At Prelib, if your result requires follow-up, our clinical team will contact you to explain the next steps and guide you toward the appropriate care.

• Can I do an HPV test while on my period?

  Yes, the HPV test can sometimes be done during menstruation, especially if the flow is light. However, in case of bleeding, it is best to reschedule your appointment to ensure the best possible sample quality. If you are unsure, our team can let you know whether it is better to keep or move your appointment.

• Can I get screened for cervical cancer if I’ve had a hysterectomy?

  It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, since every medical situation is unique and recommendations may vary depending on your personal history. In general, if you had a partial hysterectomy, meaning your cervix was kept, a clinician may recommend continuing cervical cancer screening.

  If you had a total hysterectomy for a benign reason , a healthcare professionalmay determine that screening is no longer necessary. However, this depends on several factors, including your medical history and previous screening results.

• Can I get screened for cervical cancer if I have symptoms?

  The HPV test offered for cervical cancer screening is intended for people without symptoms.

  If you have symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, bleeding after sex, or unusual vaginal discharge, you should consult a healthcare professional.

  In this context, a medical evaluation is needed to determine the cause of the symptoms and the right type of follow-up.

• What is included in the cost of the HPV test at Prelib?

  Cervical cancer screening with an HPV test at Prelib costs 199 $. These fees may be reimbursed by most private insurance plans, depending on your coverage. The fee includes: 

  • an evaluation of your medical questionnaire;
  • a medical requisition, when required;
  • laboratory analysis of your HPV test;
  • any additional testing indicated based on your results, when available as part of the service;
  • clinical guidance and follow-up, if needed.