Cervical Cancer Screening
The screening test for cervical cancer is a Pap test. A Pap test checks the cervix for cell changes that can turn into cancer. The cervix is the lower narrow opening of the uterus that joins with the vagina.
Pap tests can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. Having regular Pap tests, early treatment and HPV immunization can prevent most cancers of the cervix.
Who should be screened for cervical cancer
Most women need a Pap test starting at age 21 and then every 3 years.
Women who are 70 or older should talk to their doctor about whether they can stop having Pap tests.
Where to get a Pap test in Hamilton
You can have a free Pap test at your doctor’s office or at one of the clinics below if you do not have a doctor.
| Location | Phone number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Queenston Walk-In Clinic |
905-578-9255 |
Wednesday - 5 to 9 pm French, Arabic, Spanish, Serbian interpretation available |
|
Stoney Creek Medical Walk-In Clinic |
905-561-9255 |
Call first Walk-in only, no appointments Monday to Friday - 9 am to 6 pm Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian interpretation available |
|
Locke Street Walk-In Medical Clinic |
905-570-0440 |
Check www.lockewalkinmedical.ca for hours French interpretation and sign language available |
|
Hamilton Walk In-Clinic |
905-594-1828 | Call for an appointment |
| Screen for Life Mobile Cancer Screening Coach | 905-975-4467 |
Telephone translation services available |
|
Dundurn Medical Centre |
905-529-4040 |
Every other Wednesday 4 to 7 pm Call for an appointment |
|
Main West Walk-In Clinic |
905-521-2222 |
Call for an appointment French interpretation available |
|
John Street Medical Walk In Clinic |
905-529-9779 |
Call first to find out availability for pap test French and Arabic interpretation available |
How a Pap test is done
- Book an appointment for a Pap test with your doctor. A Pap test is usually done as part of your check-up.
- If you do not have a doctor, call one of the clinics listed above. Call first to ask if the clinic has a female doctor if that is a concern for you.
- Bring your health card to your appointment.
- A Pap test is done by lying down on an exam table. The doctor wipes cells from the cervix to send to a lab for testing. The Pap test only takes a few minutes.
- You and your doctor will get a letter with the test results. Your doctor will call you for more tests if needed.
Contact us
For more information, email publichealth@hamilton.ca.
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