Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Regular cervical cancer screenings are an important part of taking care of your overall health and play a key role in the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer can go unnoticed until it’s more advanced. However, regular screenings can catch precancerous cells early before cancer spreads, making treatment easier and more effective.

cancer-screening-cervical-when.jpg

When to Screen for Cervical Cancer

Talk to you doctor to determine the cervical cancer screening plan that works best for you based on your age and risk factors. OSF HealthCare follows the American Cancer Society cervical cancer screening guidelines, which recommend:

  • People between the ages of 25 and 65 should get a primary HPV (human papillomavirus) test done every 5 years. If a primary HPV test is not available, a co-test (an HPV test with a Pap test) every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years are still good options.
  • People over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing in the past 10 years with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer. Once testing is stopped, it should not be started again. Those with a history of serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 25 years after that diagnosis, even if testing goes past age 65.
  • People whose cervix has been removed by surgery for reasons not related to cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer should not be tested.
  • People who have been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for their age groups.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Knowing your cervical cancer risk factors can help you and your OB/GYN create a more informed plan for prevention.

These risk factors include:

  • HPV infection (HPV vaccines can help prevent infection)
  • Sexual history, including becoming sexually active at a young age or having multiple partners
  • Smoking
  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Chlamydia infection
  • Long-term use of birth control pills
  • Having multiple pregnancies
  • Getting pregnant at a young age
  • Low income, making screening and treatment difficult
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • Having a family history of cervical cancer

Types of Cervical Cancer Screenings

There are two types of tests your provider will use to screen for cervical cancer.

  • Pap Test – A Pap smear collects cells from your cervix.
  • Pelvic Exam – A simple process to check for overall health of the organs contained in the pelvis – the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries and bladder. Your provider can also likely spot genital warts through a pelvic exam.

What to Expect During Your Cervical Cancer Screening

It’s normal to feel nervous about getting a pelvic exam or Pap smear – even if you’ve had one before. If you’re anxious about anything, let your provider know. They’ll be happy to help you feel more comfortable.

What to Expect During a Pap Smear

Your provider will guide you through all the steps and ensure you stay comfortable through the test.

  • First, you’ll be given privacy to change into a provided gown or cover.
  • You’ll lie down with your bottom near the edge of the table and your feet in stirrups so your position is more comfortable.
  • Your provider will insert a small instrument – called a speculum – into the vagina to open the entrance to the cervix.
  • Next, your provider will gently scrape the cervix with a small brush to collect cells. Some women report mild discomfort, but this should not be painful.
  • The brush is put in a container to be sent for testing.
  • The speculum is removed.

The process takes about two minutes or less. You’ll likely receive results within a few days to a few weeks.

What to Expect During a Pelvic Exam

Your provider will feel the organs and tissues in the pelvis to check for size, shape and position.

  • First, you’ll be given privacy to change into a provided gown or cover.
  • Your provider will often start by visually examining the vagina and vulva to make sure everything looks healthy.
  • Then, your provider will insert one or two fingers into the vagina and gently press from the outside and the inside of your body. This is to feel for any abnormalities.
  • The entire process only takes a few minutes.

Tips for Your Cervical Cancer Screening

These tips may help your cervical cancer screening experience to be less stressful and more comfortable:

  • Find a provider you trust and like
  • Take deep, relaxing breaths
  • Ask your provider to explain everything they’re doing as they’re doing it to help you feel a little more in control.
  • Ask about bringing along distractions, like music or a book.

Get Started

Call your OB/GYN to schedule an appointment. If you don’t have an OB/GYN, find one near you in our provider directory.

Find a Provider

Related Information