Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines: What You Need to Know
Ever wonder how often you need a Pap smear or pelvic exam? We cover the things you might need to know to prepare for your next OB/GYN visit.
By Rachel Kramer, MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist—Virtua OB/GYN
Do I need a yearly GYN exam and Pap smear?
There’s no question—while an annual Pap smear (the test that screens for cervical cancer) may not be necessary if you have normal test results, you still need a yearly GYN and pelvic exam.
The Pap smear is only a part of the pelvic exam. During your annual GYN visit, your doctor also checks for skin cancer, uterine masses, pelvic floor issues, sexually transmitted infections, cervical polyps, breast cancer, and more.
Your annual GYN exam is also an excellent opportunity to identify and treat conditions early, and to discuss any health concerns with your doctor. For example, if you plan to get pregnant or are nearing menopause, your doctor can help you prepare and answer your questions.
Why is it important to have a Pap smear?
Pap smears detect the presence of pre-cancerous cells on the cervix so the condition can be treated before it has a chance to develop into cervical cancer.
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are spread by sexual contact. They are so common that nearly everyone has one type of virus. While there are more than 150 related HPVs, only 14 types cause cancer, two of which are responsible for 90 percent of cervical cancer cases.
What are the cervical cancer screening guidelines?
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) recommends the following:
- A woman should get her first Pap smear at age 21 and continue screening every three years.
- After age 30, a woman should get a Pap smear every five years.
- Women 65 and older who’ve had three normal consecutive Pap smears never need to be tested again. Although, if they're sexually active and change partners, they may want to be tested for other types of STDs.
While these are the general guidelines, there are exceptions. If you have a history of abnormal Pap smears or have been diagnosed with a condition that weakens the immune system (like HIV), you may need to be screened more often. Also, if you're over 65 and have had high levels of cervical abnormality, you may need to continue regular screenings.
Why don’t we need yearly cervical cancer screenings?
It may seem counterintuitive to be screened less often for a condition that’s so widespread, but the current screening guidelines are based on years of scientific research.
Here’s what we know about cervical cancer screening:
- The Pap smear is more accurate than ever before.
- HPVs that cause cancer are slow growing.
- The body’s immune system can fight off HPVs.
- More frequent screening can lead to unnecessary treatments.
- HPV treatments such as cone biopsies or surgical removal can cause complications during pregnancy.
If you have questions or concerns about cervical cancer screening, make sure to get in touch with a women's health care provider.
Make your annual OB/GYN exam a priority
Whether it’s for a Pap smear or for keeping track of your overall gynecological health, your annual GYN exam is an important part of your preventive care. Find a Virtua OB/GYN near you and schedule an appointment online.
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