Get Tested for Cervical Cancer

The Basics: Overview

Getting regular screening tests for cervical cancer (called Pap tests) and follow-up care can help prevent cervical cancer. You can get a Pap test (also called a Pap smear) at your doctor's office or health clinic.

Most deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented if women get regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find abnormal (changed) cells before they turn into cancer. Pap tests can also find cervical cancer early, when it usually can be cured.

How often should I get screened (tested)?

How often you should get screened for cervical cancer depends on how old you are and which tests you get.

• If you are age 21 to 29, get a Pap test every 3 years.
• If you are age 30 to 65:
  • Get screened every 3 years if you only have a Pap test.
  • Get screened every 5 years if you have both a Pap test and an HPV (human papillomavirus) test.

If you are age 66 or older, ask your doctor if cervical cancer screening is recommended for you.

The Basics: Cervical Cancer

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (or womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina.

Abnormal cells in the cervix can turn into cancer if they aren't found early and treated. Cervical cancer is more common in women over age 30.

Learn more about cervical cancer and screening:

• Cervical Cancer [PDF - 897 KB]
• Cervical Cancer Screening

The Basics: Pap Test

What happens during a Pap test?

A Pap test takes about 2 to 5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but a Pap test usually doesn’t hurt.

While you lie on the exam table, the doctor or nurse will put a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina and open it to see your cervix. The doctor or nurse will use a special brush to collect a few cells from your cervix. These cells are sent to a lab to be checked by an expert.

The doctor or nurse will also do a pelvic exam to check your uterus, ovaries, and other organs. Learn how a Pap test is done.

Take Action: Get Tested

Take these steps to help prevent cervical cancer.

Schedule your Pap test.

Call a doctor’s office or health clinic to schedule your Pap test and pelvic exam.

Get ready for your Pap test.

Try to schedule your Pap test for a time when you won’t have your period.

Some things can cause incorrect Pap test results. For 2 days before your test, doctors recommend that you don’t:

• Use tampons
• Have sex
• Use birth control creams, foams, or jellies
• Douche (rinse the vagina with water or other liquid)
• Use vaginal deodorant (sprays or powders)

Find out your Pap test results.

When you get a Pap test, ask the doctor how you will find out the results. Pap test results can be "normal," "unclear," or "abnormal." Get help understanding your Pap test result.

What about cost?

Testing for cervical cancer is covered under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get tested at no cost to you.

• If you have private insurance, check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan.
• If you don’t have insurance, find a program near you that offers free or low-cost Pap tests.
• If you have Medicare, find out how often Medicare covers Pap tests and pelvic exams.

For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.

Take Action: Lower Your Risk

Lower your risk of cervical cancer.

Long-term HPV (human papillomavirus) infections are a major cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a very common infection that can spread during sex. Some types of HPV can cause genital and anal warts. Other types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers.

You are at higher risk of getting HPV if you:

• Have unprotected sex
• Have many different sex partners
• Have a sex partner who has other sex partners

Get more information on HPV infection.

Get the HPV vaccine.

Doctors recommend that women age 26 and younger get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots over 6 months. The shots protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. Find out more about the HPV vaccine.

Girls and boys need the HPV vaccine, too. If you have kids, ask their doctor about the HPV vaccine.

Get your well-woman visit every year.

During your visit, talk to the doctor or nurse about other important screenings and services to help you stay healthy. Find out more about getting your well-woman visit every year.