Early Detection with Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is entirely preventable. Women who do not get screened are at increased risk of getting cervical cancer. The most important thing you can do to decrease your risk of getting cervical cancer is to get regular screening. Regular screening allows doctors to look for cervical cell changes. Cervical cell changes can be treated before they become cervical cancer. Also, it allows doctors to look for HPV, the virus that causes these cervical cell changes. If you have HPV, your doctor can monitor you more closely for signs of early cell changes.

What is a Pap test?

A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) is a test to look at cervical cells. Cervical cells are examined to see if they are abnormal. It does not detect the HPV virus.

There are two different types of Pap tests: regular and liquid based.

Liquid based Pap tests are more accurate than regular/conventional Pap smears.

What is an HPV test?

An HPV test looks for the virus itself. HPV can cause the cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.

How are the Pap test and the HPV test different?

The Pap test is to look at cervical cells. The HPV test is to look for the virus.

How are the Pap test and HPV test performed?

The Pap test and HPV tests can be performed at the same time during your pelvic exam. Your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina to look at your cervix. The doctor then uses a tool to collect a small sample of cervical cells. (The Pap test is not the same as a pelvic exam. A pelvic exam is when the doctor inserts his/her fingers into your vagina and examines your ovaries and uterus).

When the doctor uses a liquid based Pap test, the same tube can be used for both the Pap and HPV test.

When the doctor uses a regular Pap test, it is necessary that 2 samples of cervical cells are taken. One sample is placed on a glass slide for the Pap test. The second sample is placed in the tube for the HPV test.

Should I get an HPV test if I already have been screened with the Pap test?

The Pap test is not foolproof. If you are a woman 30 or over, the HPV test with a Pap test is a way to get a more accurate picture of your risk of getting cervical cancer. The HPV test is not recommended as a screening test in women under 30.

An inconclusive result (also called ASC-US) means that cervical cells are not clearly abnormal or normal looking. For women 21 and older, an HPV test is done when the Pap test result is inconclusive.

How often should I get screened?

The American Cancer Society recommends:

Age Group	Recommendations
Under 21	First Pap test within 3 years of having vaginal intercourse OR no later than 21 years old.
21 -29 years old	Regular Pap test every year or liquid-based Pap test every 2 years.
30 - 69 years old	Regular or liquid-based Pap test AND the HPV test every 3 years.*
70 years old and over	Women with 3 normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop screening. Talk to your healthcare provider.

*Another option for women 30 years and older with 3 normal Pap test results in a row is to get screened every 2 to 3 years with the Pap. Women should discuss these options with their healthcare provider.

Note: Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix should continue to follow the guidelines above

Now that I understand the importance of cervical cancer screening. What do I do next?

If you are under 30 years old, call your doctor to schedule an appointment for a Pap test.

If you are 30 years old or over, tell your doctor when you schedule your Pap that you also want an HPV test.

Do not have a Pap or HPV test during your menstrual period.

For 2 days before your Pap and/or HPV test do not:

Last Updated on Saturday, 19 November 2011 10:43