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Why Getting Your Cervical Screening Test Is Important

The Pap test and the HPV test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

Both tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. During the Pap test, the doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to widen your vagina. This helps the doctor examine the vagina and the cervix, and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. The cells are sent to a laboratory.

If you are getting a Pap test, the cells will be checked to see if they look normal. If you are getting an HPV test, the cells will be tested for HPV.

When To Get Screened

If You Are 21 to 29 Years Old:

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

If You Are 30 to 65 Years Old:

Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you—

• A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

• An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

• An HPV test along with the Pap test.This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

If You Are Older Than 65

Your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if—

• You have had normal screening test results for several years, or

• You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.