What Is a Pap test?
A Pap test, also called a Pap smear, checks cervical cells for early changes that could lead to cancer. Finding these changes early can help prevent cervical cancer or treat it sooner. A Pap test, along with a pelvic exam, is an important part of routine health care and cancer screening.
Why is it important to have a Pap test?
Pap tests can find abnormal cell changes before cancer develops. Your provider may recommend follow-up testing or treatment based on your results.
Most abnormal Pap test results are not cancer, but they should be reviewed by your health care provider.
Who should have a Pap test and how often?
Ask your health care provider when you should have a Pap test. Your screening schedule depends on your age, health history, human papillomavirus (HPV) test results, past Pap test results and risk factors.
For women at average risk, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends cervical cancer screening based on age and test type:
- Ages 21–29: Pap test alone every 3 years
- Ages 30–65: Primary HPV testing every 5 years is preferred. Co-testing (a Pap test and HPV test done at the same time using the same cell sample) with HPV and Pap testing every 5 years may be used when primary HPV testing is not available or after counseling.
- Age 65 and older: Screening is not needed if there is no history of cervical changes and you have experienced one of the following:
- Three negative Pap test results in a row
- Two negative HPV or co-tests within the past 10 years (most recent test within 3–5 years depending on test type).
People with certain risk factors such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a weakened immune system, diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth or a previous diagnosis of cervical cancer may need more frequent screening.
You still need to have screening if you have been vaccinated against HPV.
You may still need to have screening if you have had a hysterectomy and your cervix was not removed.
It is important to see your doctor every year for routine examinations, screening for sexually transmitted disease and overall gynecologic health.
What should I expect during a Pap test?
A Pap test usually takes only a few minutes. Your provider will help you get comfortable on an exam table and gently place a speculum in your vagina so they can see the cervix and collect cells with a small brush or spatula. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort. You may have light spotting afterward.
What if my Pap test results are abnormal?
If your Pap test result is abnormal, your provider will explain what it means and whether you need repeat testing, a colposcopy or a cervical biopsy.
A colposcopy is a closer examination of the cervix and vagina using a lighted magnifying tool. Your provider may recommend it after an abnormal Pap test or HPV test to look for areas that need follow-up. During the exam, a solution may be placed on the cervix to help abnormal cells show more clearly. If an area looks concerning, your provider may take a small biopsy for testing.
A cervical biopsy removes a very small tissue sample from an area that looks abnormal so it can be examined under a microscope. The biopsy helps confirm whether the cell changes are mild, precancerous or cancerous, which allows your provider to recommend the right follow-up plan.
To schedule, a cervical cancer screening, please call (800) 792-6161 or request an appointment.
