A Pap smear test is a preventive measure that can detect precancerous or cancerous cervical cells. A yearly Pap smear used to be recommended for for most women, but this changed in 2013. Current guidelines from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommend the following:
- Pap smear once every 3 years for women under 30.
- Pap smear and HPV (human papillomavirus) test every 5 years for women under 65.
- Women over 65 do not need a Pap smear unless there is a history of two or three abnormal test results in the last 5 to 10 years, or if there is a history of dysplasia or cervical cancer.
- Pap smear and HPV testing is not recommended for girls under 21 years of age.
NOTE: These guidelines do not apply to women who have cervical cancer or are positive for HPV and have a weakened immune system.
Cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix grow abnormally or out of control. The exact cause of cervical cancer is unknown. Cervix cancer that is identified and treated early is associated with good outcomes. Precancerous cells approach 100% curable.
A Pap smear involves obtaining cells from the cervix for examination. It identifies abnormal cellular changes, precancerous cells, or cancerous cells. If the results of your Pap smear are abnormal, your doctor may repeat your Pap smear and conduct additional tests.
Certain strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, have been associated with cervical cancer; however, HPV infection usually goes away on its own in younger women. This is why HPV testing is not recommended until the age of 30. A vaccine is available to prevent infection against the two types of HPV that are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases and the two types of HPV that are responsible for the majority of genital wart cases.