Cervical cancer screening in Canada, 2026
About this section
This section describes tests and modalities used in cervical cancer screening within Canada, including Pap tests and HPV tests.
Primary cervical cancer screening test used
Many jurisdictions now screen using HPV testing; historically, Pap testing was commonly used as the primary test to screen for cervical cancer. Six jurisdictions are currently using HPV testing as the primary screening test; others are working towards this switch as part of efforts to advance the Elimination of Cervical Cancer.
Where Pap testing occurs, conventional cytology and liquid-based cytology are used across Canada, with some jurisdictions using both. Most provincial and territorial cervical cancer screening programs use the 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas for standardized cytology reporting.
Cervical cancer screening programs in Canada are continuously evolving as more jurisdictions make the switch to HPV primary screening. The data in this section is accurate as of February 2026. For more current information, please reference each jurisdiction’s program website.
- 6
- provinces and territories are now using the HPV test as their primary cervical cancer screening test
Primary cervical screening test used
| P/T | HPV testing | Pap testing/Cytology: Conventional cytology | Pap testing/Cytology: Liquid-based cytology | Reporting system for standardized cervical cytology reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YT* | ✓ | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | ||
| NT | ✓ Implemented in April 2025 | ✓* | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | |
| NU | ✓ | 3rd Edition Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology (2015) | ||
| BC | ✓ | ✓ | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | |
| AB | ✓ 2025 | ✓ (2009) | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | |
| SK | ✓ (2021) | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | ||
| MB | ✓ (2014) | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | ||
| ON | ✓ | ✓* | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | |
| QC | ✓ Phased rollout of HPV primary screening with reflex cytology underway, available in select regions (13/18) | ✓ In select regions (5/18) | ✓ Phased rollout of HPV primary screening with reflex cytology underway, available in select regions (13/18) | Standardized reports for HPV results* |
| NB | Planning to implement provider collected HPV, with option of self-collection, in 2026 | ✓ | ✓ | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas* |
| NS | ✓ | ✓* | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas* | |
| PE | ✓ Implemented in May 2023 | ✓* | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas | |
| NL | ✓ (2008) | 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas |
Data are current as of February 2026.
*Footnotes:
YT: YT will be incorporating HPV swab as provider collect or self-collect at clinic in 2026. Working towards an organized program from home-kits. YT utilizes BC Cancer lab so will be following their direction for Pap Testing/Cytology: Liquid-based cytology.
NT: Depending on HPV results, a Pap would be completed after, 2014 Bethesda Cervical Cytology Atlas.
ON: Liquid-based cytology is used for reflex testing in screening and as a co-test in colposcopy.
QC: Under consideration for reflex cytology results.
NS: One lab uses liquid-based cytology for Paps, done on-site at the hospital.
PE: Liquid-based cytology is used for reflex testing, and follow up testing after HPV was detected.