Pap smear vs. HPV test: What’s the difference?
Cervical cancer: You may be familiar with it, but did you know that it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer thanks to routine screening and vaccination?
Most cervical cancers are caused by the ویروس پاپیلومای انسانی (HPV). The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer (cervical cancer or some other types of cancer), but following the screening recommendations for cervical cancer is important whether or not you have been vaccinated against HPV:
- Ages 21-29: Have a Pap test (also known as a Pap smear) every three years.
- Ages 30-65: Have any of the following options:
- هر 3 سال یکبار آزمایش پاپ به تنهایی انجام دهید.
- آزمایش HPV پرخطر به تنهایی هر 5 سال یکبار.
- A high-risk HPV test with a Pap test every 5 years.
- Age 66+: Talk with your health care provider about whether you still need to be screened.
همچنین بخوانید | No one should die from cervical cancer. Here’s what we’re doing to fight it.
Once you turn 30, your options for cervical cancer screening increase. While you still have the option of a Pap test alone every three years, you can also opt for a high-risk HPV test on its own every five years, or you can choose to “co-test” by getting a high-risk HPV test AND a Pap test together every five years. The term “high-risk HPV test” doesn’t mean it’s for people at high risk of cancer, but rather that the test is looking for the strains of HPV that are at “high risk” for causing cancer.
Not sure which one is best for you? Here’s what you should know about all your options:
What is a Pap test?
آ Pap test is a way to screen for cervical cancer. A health care professional (like an OB-GYN or primary care provider) will collect cells from the cervix—a small canal that connects your uterus and vagina. The cells are sent to a lab and examined for cancer or signs they may become cancerous in the future.
What is an HPV test?
A high-risk HPV test looks at cells from the cervix (similar to the Pap test) to detect HPV, specifically looking for strains that may be more likely to cause cancer. It can be performed at the same time as a Pap test.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved self-testing options for HPV that can be collected in a health care setting یا at home. These new actions have the potential to make testing more accessible for people eligible for cervical cancer screening. While FDA approval does not mean these tests are covered by insurance, you can check with your insurance company to see if it’s an option. HPV self-collection does not replace the need to visit for your annual primary care and gynecologist visits.
What is the difference between a Pap test and an HPV test?
A Pap test identifies cancerous cells or abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer. It does not test for HPV. On the other hand, an HPV test detects whether there are high-risk strains of HPV virus present on the cervix, which could lead to cancer.1
Both tests are suitable options to determine with your health care provider whether your results indicate you need additional testing.
Okay, I know the difference. What should I choose?
Understanding the difference between screening options for cervical cancer is important to figuring out what option is best for you. The important thing is that you’re taking control of your health by getting screened. Talk with your health care provider about which test is right for you.
If you aren’t yet old enough for screening, learning more about cervical cancer is a great way to get familiar with the process and what you can do to reduce your risk at any age. Talk to your health care provider about HPV vaccination if you were not fully vaccinated when you were younger. “Catch-up” vaccinations are recommended through age 26. After age 26, talk with your health care provider to see if the HPV vaccine is right for you. (The HPV vaccine is approved by the FDA for use up to age 45.)