REGULAR SCREENING
How does screening help?
The first and important step in the prevention of HPV-related cervical cancer is early detection. This can be done through regular screening tests. Here are two common screening tests that are available.¹⁴
THE HPV TEST
detects the human papillomavirus that can cause the cell changes.¹⁴
THE PAP TEST OR
PAP SMEAR
detects signs of precancers or cell changes on the cervix that might develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.¹⁴
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY TO PREVENTING
HPV-RELATED CANCERS.
WHEN CAN WOMEN GET SCREENED?
21 TO 29 YEARS OLD
Begin doing Pap tests at the age of 21. If the result is normal, you may then take the test every three years.¹⁵
30 TO 65 YEARS OLD
There are three ways to get screened:
Pap test only.
If the result is normal, then you can take
the test every 3 years.¹⁵
HPV test only.
This is called primary HPV testing. If the
result is normal, the screening can be
taken every 5 years.¹⁵
HPV test + the Pap test.
This is called co-testing. If both results
are normal, you may take the test every
5 years.¹⁵
65 YEARS AND OLDER
Screening is not needed if:
The screening test results were normal for
several years.¹⁵
The cervix was removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.¹⁵