Cervical Cancer: When to Get Screened

Cervical cancer screenings save lives. You can help protect your own life by following guidelines for regular screening.

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is at the lower part of the uterus, where a baby grows. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. Cancer starts when abnormal cells grow too quickly and do not stop.

Screening tests

Early detection may lead to successful treatment. Two types of tests are often done to help prevent cervical cancer or to find it early.

1. The HPV test looks for a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus can cause cells to change. The test will show if you have one of the types of HPV that is more likely to involve cervical cancer.

2. Pap tests, or Pap smears, can also find abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous. Removing these precancerous cells prevents cervical cancer over 95% of the time.

The current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for most women are that women ages 21 to 29 should get a Pap test every three years. Women 30 to 65 years old should get one of the following:

• A Pap test every three years.
• An HPV test every five years.
• A Pap test and HPV test together (called co-testing) every five years.

Women over 65 should talk to their doctor about whether they need to keep getting screened for cervical cancer. This also applies to women without a cervix who have never had cancer or any abnormal test results.

Sticking to recommended screening schedules is the key to reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer. Don't delay seeing your health care provider if you are due for a screening.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Office on Women's Health

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force