Cervical Cancer

Pap Smear (Pap test)

A healthcare provider gently scrapes cells from the cervix using a brush. These cells are examined under a microscope and are used to detect cancer.

(This procedure is not painful, but it’s common to experience brief discomfort/pressure due to the scraping motion)

Screening Frequency (average risk patient*):

• Ages 21–29 → Every 3 years
• Ages 30–65 → Every 3 years alone OR every 5 years if combined with HPV test
• No need for routine pap smears before age 21 or after age 65

Screening Frequency (high risk patient**):

• Annual pap smear
• Can continue after age 65, talk to doctor (patient care is individualized)

HPV Test (Human Papillomavirus)

Detects high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer. Uses the same sample as the Pap test (often both tests are done at once—called co-testing). The process of collecting the sample is identical to that of a pap smear.

Screening Frequency (average risk patient):

• Ages 30–65 → Every 5 years alone Preferred method
• Optional/Additional → Co-Testing (Pap + HPV test together) Though it is optional, it has proven to have higher detection rates and reduces the chances of false positives
• Ages 65+ → routine HPV testing is not required

Screening Frequency (high risk patient):

• At least age 25-65 → Every 1-3 years
• At least age 25-65 → Co-testing (HPV + Pap testing) every 1-3 years