Why should women 21 years of age and older be screened for cervical cancer and how often should this be done?

Each year in the United States nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with a cervical pre-cancer, 11,100 are diagnosed with cervical cancer caused by HPV, and approximately 4,000 women die from cervical cancer.

About 85% of people will get infection with HPV in their lifetime. It is the most common STI in the U.S. Most of these infections do not have symptoms and resolve spontaneously. However, persistent infections can lead to anogenital warts, precancers, and cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers in women and men.

Cervical cancer screenings have made cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers. Additionally, HPV vaccines are available for males and females to prevent infection with this virus and are recommended at age 11-12 years of age. It is estimated HPV vaccines can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV from ever developing.

The HPV and Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The Pap test (Pap smear) looks for cell changes whereas the HPV test looks for the HPV virus. Females should start getting pap tests at age 21 years of age. Those 30-65 years of age should talk to their provider about which test is best for them. Females older than 65 years should discuss screening recommendations with their provider. 

Follow-up testing will be dependent upon your test results. If you are 21 years of age or older and have never had a Pap test or have not had a pap test in the past 3 years, call your provider today to schedule your appointment. If you have ever had an abnormal Pap test or positive HPV result, make sure to follow-up as recommended by your provider to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

References

CDC. (2024). Cancers caused by HPV. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/cancers-caused-by-hpv.html#:~:text=Every%20year%20in%20the%20United,women%20die%20from%20cervical%20cancer 

CDC. (2024). Human Papillomavirus. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html