Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer screening tests check the cells on the cervix for changes that could lead to cancer. Two tests can be used to screen for cervical cancer. They may be used alone or together. This test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix. Some of these cell changes could lead to cancer. This test looks for the HPV virus. Some high-risk types of HPV can cause cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer. If you have a cervix, you may need cervical cancer screening. This depends on your age, your risk of cervical cancer, and results from previous tests. Screening options include: Screening options include: If you are age 65 or older and you've always had normal screening results, you may not need screening. Talk to your doctor. Your test results may be normal. Or the results may show minor or serious changes to the cells on your cervix. Minor changes may go away on their own, especially if you are younger than 30. You may have an abnormal test because you have an infection of the vagina or cervix or because you have low estrogen levels after menopause that are causing the cells to change. If you have a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV) or cell changes that could turn into cancer, you may need more tests. Your doctor may suggest that you wait to be retested. Or you may need to have a colposcopy or treatment right away. Your doctor will recommend a follow-up plan based on your results and your age. Current as of: May 4, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Current as of: May 4, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Cervical Cancer Screening
Overview
Who should be screened?
Ages 21 to 29
Ages 30 to 64
Ages 65 and older
What do the results mean?
Related Information
Credits
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: May 4, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and GynecologyCervical Cancer Screening