We’re OB-GYNs. Here’s what we want you to know about cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we have the tools to prevent or detect early—and as OB-GYNs, we see the impact of these tools every day. Yet questions, misconceptions and anxiety around cervical cancer screening keep people from getting the care they need.

Whether you’re due for your first Pap test, wondering how often you really need to be screened or feeling nervous about an abnormal result, we’re breaking down what cervical cancer screening is, why it matters and what to expect—straight from us, the doctors who perform these exams and walk patients through the results every day.

Why get screened for cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if it’s caught early. And the key to that? Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and routine ग्रीवा कैंसर screening with a Pap test (also known as a Pap smear) and/or HPV test.

What should I know about the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer before it ever starts. HPV can cause at least six types of cancer—including more than 90% of cervical and anal cancers—but vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV‑related cancers when given as recommended.

The vaccine is routinely recommended for young people ages 9-12, but teens and young adults who were not fully vaccinated when younger can “catch up” and get vaccinated against HPV through age 26. Some adults up to age 45 may also benefit—talk with your health care provider about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you.

And remember: Even if you’ve already been vaccinated—or if you’ve tested positive for HPV in the past—routine cervical cancer screening is still essential. The vaccine works best as prevention, and screening can stop cancer before it starts by finding and removing precancerous cells or it can help detect any changes early, when they’re easiest to treat.

How do I get a Pap test?

Schedule a preventive visit with your OB-GYN. During the exam, a clinician will collect cells from the cervix—the small canal that connects your uterus and vagina— with a brush or other sampling tool.

There are two types of tests for cervical cancer screening:

• Pap test: This checks for abnormal cells in the cervix.
• HPV test: This checks for the presence of high-risk strains of the ह्यूमन पैपिलोमा वायरस (HPV), the virus that causes most cervical cancers.

Depending on your age and medical history, your OB-GYN may order one or both tests. If you’re not sure what to expect during your routine visit or have a question about the screening test, make sure to ask your health care provider! It’s our job to make the visit as smooth as possible.

How often do I need a Pap smear? 

That depends on your age and personal health history, so it’s important to discuss with your OB-GYN. If you’ve received the एचपीवी वैक्सीन, that’s great! It can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers, including more than 90% of cervical cancers, but you still need routine cervical cancer screening.

Recommendations can vary, but here’s what we encourage in our practice:

• Under 21: You do not need routine screening. (If you are at increased risk for cervical cancer, flag this for your provider—you may need to begin cancer screenings at an earlier age or be tested more frequently than the general public.)

• Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years

• Ages 30–65: Any of these options:
  • High-risk HPV test alone every 3 years
  • High-risk HPV test with a Pap test (co-testing) every 3 years

• Over 65: You may be able to stop screening if you’ve had consistent, normal results. Talk with your health care provider about whether you still need to be screened.

Even if you are not due for a Pap smear, you should still see your OB-GYN annually for preventive care. (Insurance usually covers the visit, but you can check with your plan to be sure!)

What happens if I test positive for HPV?

Testing positive for HPV can be stressful, but it’s important to understand that HPV is incredibly common¹. Most sexually active people will have it at some point, and for 90% of cases, the virus will clear within two years.² Knowing you are positive for HPV can allow you to monitor the virus with your provider and catch any signs of pre-cancer or cancer in early stages. If you test positive, talk to your health care provider about your options and stay on top of your appointments.

What happens if I get an abnormal Pap smear?

Remember that a Pap smear is a screening test, but an abnormal result does not automatically mean that you have cervical cancer.

Depending on the results, your medical history and your age, your OB-GYN will recommend follow-up testing. Follow up testing is done by repeating the Pap test in one year or doing a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a procedure to evaluate the cervix further for cervical dysplasia (pre-cancer) or cancer.

Any abnormal pap smear needs follow-up. It’s important that you do not skip or delay follow up testing. Prompt follow-up testing after an abnormal Pap smear is essential, as early treatment of pre-cancerous cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer. If detected early, the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is over 90%!

If you have questions about your Pap smear results or what type of cervical cancer screening is right for you, talk to your OB-GYN.

Need help finding an OB-GYN? Explore these tips on how to choose an OB-GYN and find a doctor near you.