Cervical Cancer

Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer. The Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. HPV vaccines can protect against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. The most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated against HPV, have regular screening tests, and go back to the doctor if your screening test results are not normal.

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Key Facts

• If you’re 21 to 29 years old, you should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years to be tested again.
• If you’re 30 years old or older, you have three options: you can get a Pap test only, an HPV test only, or both an HPV and a Pap test together. If your test results are normal, you can wait three years to be tested again if you had a Pap test only, or five years to be tested again if you had an HPV test only or both an HPV test and a Pap test together.
• If your test results are not normal, talk to your doctor. Cervical cancer is highly curable when found and treated early.
• HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Get kids vaccinated against HPV at age 11 to 12 to help prevent cervical and other kinds of cancer. HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
• Early cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.

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Prevention Tips

• The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to get screened regularly.
• Get the HPV vaccine if you are in the age group for which it is recommended.
• Don’t smoke.
• Use condoms during sex.

More Information

• CDC.gov’s Cervical Cancer Website
• CDC.gov Features