FAQs
What age should cervical cancer screening start?
Most guidelines recommend starting cervical cancer screening at age 21 with a Pap test every 3 years. The American Cancer Society suggests beginning at age 25 with primary HPV testing every 5 years, but Pap testing alone every 3 years remains an option[1][4][5].
How often should I get screened if I’m 30–65 years old?
For ages 30–65, you have three evidence-based options: Pap test every 3 years, Pap and HPV co-test every 5 years, or primary HPV test every 5 years. Discuss with your clinician which option best fits your health needs[1][5][9].
Can I stop cervical cancer screening after age 65?
If you are over 65 and have a history of adequate prior screening with normal results (three consecutive negative tests in the past 10 years), you can stop cervical cancer screening unless you have a recent history of high-grade precancerous lesions or cervical cancer[5][7].
What are the risks of cervical cancer screening?
Potential harms include false-positive results, unnecessary follow-up tests (like colposcopy), and overtreatment of abnormalities that may resolve on their own. However, the benefits of early detection and cancer prevention generally outweigh these risks for most women[1][9].
If I’ve had the HPV vaccine, do I still need screening?
Yes, the HPV vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types, so vaccinated individuals with a cervix should still follow cervical cancer screening recommendations[1][4].
