Cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening examinations.

It can take three to seven years for high-grade changes in cervical cells to become cancerous. Cervical cancer screening may detect these changes before they become cancer. If cervical cancer is found and treated at an early stage, more than 90% of women diagnosed can be cured.

Where it starts

One of the main causes of cervical cancer is related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. There are many different types of HPV, and having the infection does not mean that you will develop cancer.

Cervical cancer can occur at any age; however, it is most likely to occur after age 40. Every year, an estimated 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States.

Screening for cervical cancer

The recommended screenings for cervical cancer are the Pap test, the HPV test, or both. These tests are typically performed in a clinic setting by gynecologists and primary care providers as part of regular wellness exams. Women don’t need to make any special preparations before the tests.

The Pap test screens for abnormal cell changes of the cervix. The HPV test can detect many high-risk types of HPV even before there are visible changes to cervical cells.

Cervical cancer screening should start at age 21, regardless of when you first start having sex. The timing of your cervical cancer screening and the tests recommended for you depend on your age and health history.

• Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test performed every three years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women who are 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred.
• Women ages 30 to 65 have three options for testing.
  • Pap test and an HPV test (co-testing) every five years
  • Pap test alone every three years
  • HPV testing alone every five years

Cervical cancer screening can stop after age 65 if the following criteria are met. Your most recent test should be performed within the past three or five years as you make the decision to discontinue screening. 

• No history of moderate or severe abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer
• Negative results on screening tests over several years such as:
• Three negative Pap test results in a row
• Two negative HPV tests in a row
• Two negative co-test results in a row within the past 10 years

Screening still needed

The HPV vaccine is an important measure to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. This vaccine can help to protect you from many of the HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer. However, the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV, and women who have been vaccinated should still follow the standard cervical cancer screening guidelines.

Likewise, women who have had a hysterectomy may still need cervical cancer screening. The decision is based on the health history, whether the cervix was removed and why the hysterectomy was needed.

Take action

The number of cases of cervical cancer and deaths has decreased by half over the last 30 years in the United States. This is mainly the result of women getting regular cervical cancer screening.

I encourage all women of screening age to get the appropriate screenings for cervical cancer and routine gynecologic care.