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Cervical Cancer Screening
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Cervical Cancer Screening

Routine cervical cancer screening is essential for early detection, as it identifies abnormal cells or high-risk HPV infections before they develop into cancer.

What is cervical cancer screening?

Cervical cancer screening tests look for cancer before you have symptoms. Because cervical cancer develops slowly, screening can find "precancers"—abnormal cells that can be treated and removed before they become cancer.

What tests screen for cervical cancer?

Screening is usually performed during a pelvic exam using a swab to collect cervical cells:

  • Pap test (or Pap smear): Checks for abnormal cells.
  • HPV test: Checks for high-risk HPV infections that can cause cancer.
  • HPV/Pap cotest: Checks for both high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes.

What are the possible benefits and harms of cervical cancer screening?

While screening saves lives, it has potential harms, primarily related to inaccurate results:

  • False-positive result: Results appear abnormal when there are no cancerous cells, which may lead to unnecessary worry and follow-up tests.
  • False-negative result: Results appear normal when precancer or cancer is present, which may lead to delayed treatment.

Should I be screened for cervical cancer?

Talk to your provider about your specific schedule based on your age and health history. General recommendations include:

  • First Pap smear at age 21.
  • Begin screening with an HPV test at age 25.

You may need more frequent screening if you have a history of abnormal results, a diagnosis of cervical cancer, a weakened immune system, or exposure to DES before birth. If you are over 65 and have had regular normal results, you may no longer need screening, unless you have HIV. If you have had a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons, you generally do not need screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re under 30 and have had three consecutive normal Pap tests done at least one year apart, guidelines allow you to extend screening to every three years. If you’re 30‑65 and have both a normal Pap and a negative HPV test (cotest), you can also wait three years before the next screen.
false‑positive usually leads to a repeat Pap, HPV testing, or a colposcopy to clarify the finding. While waiting for follow‑up, keep a symptom diary and avoid unnecessary anxiety by contacting your clinician for a clear explanation of the next steps and timeline.
Women with HIV or other causes of immunosuppression should start screening at age 21 (or earlier if sexually active) and continue with Pap plus HPV testing every year, because they have a higher risk of persistent HPV infection and rapid progression.
Yes, many health systems now offer FDA‑cleared self‑sampling kits for high‑risk HPV testing. You swab the vagina or cervix yourself, seal the kit, and mail it to the lab. Discuss with your provider to ensure the test is appropriate for your age and risk profile.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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