Cervical cancer screening

The screening test for cervical cancer is called a Pap test or Pap smear. Your doctor gives you a Pap test as part of a pelvic exam to find and treat abnormal cells before they become cancerous.

Depending on your age, your doctor may also suggest you get a human papillomavirus (HPV) test along with your Pap test even if you’ve already had the HPV vaccine.

Age 21 to 30

• Have a Pap test every 3 years

Age 30 to 65

• Have a Pap test every 3 years
• OR have a combination HPV and Pap test every 5 years

Age 65+

You may no longer need a Pap test if:

• You’ve had 3 normal Pap tests in a row
• OR you’ve had 2 combination HPV and Pap tests in a row with normal results in the past 10 years, if one of those tests was in the past 5 years

Ask your doctor what’s right for you.

If you’ve had a hysterectomy, your cervix may have been removed along with your uterus. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure.

• If you don’t have a cervix
  • You may no longer need pap smears if your hysterectomy was performed for reasons not related to cervical cancer or cervical precancerous changes
  • Have regular Pap tests if you had cervical cancer
  • Have regular Pap tests if your cervix was removed for precancerous changes
• If you have a cervix
  • Have regular Pap tests until age 65

You’ll need additional tests

• After any abnormal Pap test
• Were exposed to DES (diethylstilbestrol) before you were born
• Have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
• Have a history of abnormal Pap tests or cervical cancer
• Have a weakened immune system.