Cervical cancer screening

Pap tests and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests can find changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer.

Rosa: Hi, I'm Rosa. Pap tests and HPV tests can find changes before they ever turn into cancer. Let me explain how often to get checked.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, at the top of the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus spread by sexual contact. Most of the time the body clears it on its own.

There are two main tests. A Pap test looks at cells from the cervix for changes. An HPV test looks for the types of HPV that can cause cancer. Both use a small sample taken during a pelvic exam. Co-testing means doing both tests at the same time.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (final advice from 2018) says people with a cervix should have a Pap test every 3 years from age 21 to 29. From 30 to 65, they can choose an HPV test every 5 years, a Pap test every 3 years, or co-testing every 5 years. In a 2024 draft, the Task Force said an HPV test every 5 years is the preferred choice from age 30, and that self-collection is an option. That update was not yet final when this page was written.

The American Cancer Society (updated in 2025) says to start at age 25 with an HPV test every 5 years through age 65. If an HPV test is not available, co-testing every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years is fine. Because the two groups differ on the starting age and test, ask your doctor which plan is best for you.

Self-collection is a newer option. You use a swab to collect a sample from your own vagina, in private. It is tested for HPV. Doctors still prefer a sample collected by a clinician, but self-collection works well and is a good choice for people who find a pelvic exam hard. The American Cancer Society says if a self-collected HPV test is negative, repeat it in 3 years. Ask your clinic whether self-collection is offered and whether it can be done at home or in the clinic.

Most people can stop after age 65 if they have had normal tests in the past 10 years. People who had a hysterectomy that removed the cervix, for a reason other than cancer or precancer, usually do not need screening. Keep up screening even if you had the HPV vaccine.

Pap test

A test that looks at cells from the cervix for changes that could become cancer.

HPV test

A test that looks for the high-risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Co-testing

Doing a Pap test and an HPV test from the same sample.

Self-collection

You collect your own sample with a swab, in private. It is tested for HPV.

Abnormal result

This usually does not mean cancer. You may need a repeat test or a closer look at the cervix, called a colposcopy.

Colposcopy

A doctor uses a lighted magnifier to look closely at the cervix and may take a small sample.

• Ask your doctor which test you are getting and when your next one is due.
• Ask if self-collection is an option for you.
• If a result is not normal, make sure you get the follow-up test.
• Keep getting screened even if you had the HPV vaccine.
• Before you stop at 65, ask if your past results mean it is safe to stop.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.