Cervical Cancer Screening

What Cervical Cancer Screening Options are Available?

Traditional Pap Test:
Doctors use the Pap test to look for abnormal cells from a sample of cells from the cervix. The cervical cells are smeared on a glass slide and examined under a microscope. The Pap test is a good way to find cancer cells and cells that might become cancerous in the future.

Liquid-based Pap Test:
Liquid-based cytology refers to a newer way to process Pap test results. Instead of smearing the sample on a glass microscope slide, the cervical cells are placed in liquid in a small bottle. Some of the liquid is placed on a slide and then examined under a microscope.

Research has shown that liquid-based Pap tests can be more accurate than the conventional way of preparing the slides because blood and mucous are removed, making the cells easier to see. Liquid-based Pap tests are somewhat more expensive, and not all clinics have this option available. Other clinics use only the liquid-based method.

Both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG) say that both conventional and liquid-based methods are effective cancer screening options. The important thing is to get tested.

The HPV Test:
The HPV test checks directly for high-risk HPV. HPV testing is FDA-approved for use with a Pap test in routine cervical cancer screening for women age 30 and older and for women of all ages as a follow-up to inconclusive Pap test results, known as ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance). Both the Pap and HPV tests use a small, soft brush to collect cervical cells. Women who get an HPV test along with their Pap will not notice any difference in their exam.

Both the ACS and ACOG state that an HPV test in conjunction with a Pap test is a reasonable option for screening women age 30 and older. Research shows that the two tests together are more accurate than the Pap test alone at identifying women with cervical cancer or its early signs.

Women under 30 should not get the HPV test with the Pap test unless they receive abnormal Pap test results. Young women have more frequent HPV infections (which are likely to be temporary) and more frequent changes in sex partners. Thus, HPV testing as part of routine screening is not helpful in this age group.

When should women get screened?

The ACS and ACOG say that:

  • Women should be screened for cervical cancer about 3 years after they start having sexual intercourse. Screenings should start by the time a woman is 21 years old.
  • Women should be screened every year with a regular Pap test. As an alternative, the newer liquid-based Pap test can be used every year or every 2 years. All women 30 years old or younger should get cervical cytology (cancer) screening at least every two years.
  • Women age 30 and older who have had 3 normal Pap tests in a row don't need to get a Pap test every year. They can get the test every 2 or 3 years, unless they have certain risk factors, which they should discuss with their doctor. Or, they can get a Pap test in conjunction with the recently available HPV test every 3 years, in accordance with their doctor’s  recommendation. Even though women with normal results may not need to be screened every year, they should go to their doctor every year for a check-up, including a pelvic exam.
  • According to ACS, women age 70 and older who have had 3 or more normal Pap test results in a row and no abnormal test in the last 10 years can stop getting screened. ACOG recommends, however, that women over age 70 should still get Pap tests every 2 or 3 years. Women should talk to their doctor to decide the best plan for them.
  • Women who have had a hysterectomy may still need to be screened regularly, depending upon what kind of hysterectomy they had. They should discuss their situation with their doctor.

What do HPV test results mean?

For women age 30 and older who have an HPV test along with a Pap test as part of regular screening, the results will fall into one of the categories below:

  • Both the Pap and HPV tests are negative (normal) – These women won't need to be tested again for 3 years.
  • The Pap test is negative (normal) and the HPV test is positive – These women will likely repeat the Pap test and HPV test in 6 to 12 months to see if the virus has gone away. If the virus is still present, then additional evaluation may be done.
  • Both tests are positive – These women should talk with their doctor about what to do next.

Interactive Online Guide to Information on HPV

Learn more about cervical cancer and HPV testing through a new interactive educational tool. This program provides background information about HPV and cervical cancer, the HPV test and who should get one, and how to talk with your doctor about the right tests for you. Click the image below to learn more:

The information available on this interactive guide is not produced by Women In Government.  Please note: This is an interactive, informational program that educates about various medical treatments and procedures.  It is for information and education purposes only.