Hear firsthand from an individual who has tried the new self-swab test for cervical cancer screening
The introduction of a new cervical cancer screening option in BC has many people wondering what to expect from the new test. This HPV Awareness Week (October 1 – 7), we spoke with Jennifer Cameron who has tried the new self-swab test so you can hear firsthand what to expect.
Cervical cancer screening has traditionally involved the Pap test, which many, like Jennifer Cameron, found invasive and anxiety-inducing.
Jennifer Cameron is Dakelh from Nak'azdli Whut'en First Nation on her mother's side and Métis on her father's side. She grew up in Vancouver, but recently returned home to Nak'azdli near Fort St. James to be closer to family, culture and language.
"When I did a Pap test, it was always so uncomfortable," recalls Jennifer. “I would have to prepare myself physically, and probably more importantly, mentally before going to my appointment. I can understand why people would avoid them—especially if they had experienced a previous traumatic event or a negative experience in the health care system, which is so common for Indigenous people."
Early detection is key to prevention
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual contact. It can lead to long-term health risks, including cancers of the cervix, vulva, penis, anus and throat as well as genital warts. Fortunately, prevention through immunization and regular screening can drastically reduce these risks, which is why it's essential for individuals with a cervix to test for HPV.
Jennifer, who works as an office assistant at Nak'azdli Health Centre, first learned about the new cervix self-screening test through a now viral video that the centre created (if you haven't seen the HPV self-swab video by the Nak'azdli Health Centre, check it out on Facebook here!).
“I remember thinking, 'Oh, that's cool', so when my health care provider offered me the test as part of my routine checkup, I decided to give it a try."
Unlike the Pap test, the self-swab test is simple and can be completed on your own at home or wherever you are most comfortable. It involves collecting a sample from your vagina with a small Q-tip- like swab.
'I can't emphasize enough how easy and simple the test was.'
“The instructions included in the test kit are very clear," explains Jennifer. “The swab had a mark on it to help guide me and after a few simple steps I was finished. I almost questioned it for a second because it was so easy, and a totally different experience to a Pap test."
The new cervix self-screening test is more accurate than the traditional Pap test because it tests for HPV. If you receive a negative test result, you do not need to test for another five years, unlike the Pap test which is every three years.
'It's empowering to take control of your health.'
As someone who prides herself on taking responsibility of her own health, Jennifer found the self-swab test to be a much more empowering experience than the Pap test.
“It's about trusting the patient," says Jennifer. “I got a sense of independence from doing the test on my own. It's a good feeling to take control of your own health—there's no need to be scared or anxious."
Request a self-screening kit
Cervix screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix who is due for screening, including women and Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse people, between the ages of 25 and 69.
The kits can be requested online or by phone and mailed to your home or collected at your local health care centre.
For more information or to request a self-swab test kit, call 1-877-702-6566 or visit screeningbc.ca/cervix.
Get vaccinated
The HPV vaccine is available for free to youth aged 9-19, and some people up to the age of 26 (including Two-Spirit and transgender folks, as well as others). People 19-45 can talk to their health care provider about the HPV vaccine as it may be recommended, although not provided for free.
To learn more about HPV, the new self-screening tests and the importance of getting vaccinated, click here.
