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Cervical cancer screening — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePreventive MedicineCervical cancer screeningMCCQE Part 1

A 46-year-old Ontario resident with a cervix has been sexually active and has no cervical-cancer symptoms, immunocompromise, previous abnormal screening result, or prior cervical treatment. A provider-collected primary HPV cervical screening test is negative. When should routine screening next occur under the Ontario programme?

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Correct answer: D — Return for routine HPV-based cervical screening in 5 years

Option D is correct. Ontario's HPV-based cervical screening pathway places this patient in the average-risk group: she has a cervix, is older than 25, has been sexually active, is asymptomatic, and has no stated immune compromise or abnormal-history pathway. After a negative provider-collected HPV result, routine screening resumes in 5 years. The longer interval reflects the strong reassurance provided by a negative HPV test; annual cytology and immediate colposcopy add harm without indication. HPV vaccination lowers risk but does not replace screening. A three-year interval applies to specified immunocompromised populations, which the stem excludes.

Reference: Ontario Health, Ontario Introduces New Cervical Screening Test to Better Prevent Cervical Cancer: https://www.ontariohealth.ca/news/ontario-introduces-new-cervical-screening-test-to-better-prevent-cervical-cancer