Cervical cancer screening after 40: which tests and how often

What the two tests look for

The Office on Women's Health (US) says a Pap test is done by your doctor or nurse. It checks the cervix for cells that are not normal. An HPV test, it says, looks for HPV DNA in cells from the cervix. [2]

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. The CDC (US) says it is a virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The CDC also says both tests can help stop cervical cancer or catch it early. [1]

Which tests and how often

The Office on Women's Health (US) says most women 21 to 65 need Pap tests, or a Pap test and an HPV test together. For women 30 to 65, it lists three choices. One is a Pap test every 3 years. Another is an HPV test every 5 years. The third is both tests together, called co-testing, every 5 years. [2]

The CDC (US) names the same three options for women 30 to 65: HPV testing alone, a Pap test alone, or both tests together. It says that if a Pap test result is normal, your doctor may say you can wait three years for the next one. If both results are normal after co-testing, the CDC says your doctor may say you can wait five years. [1]

After age 65 and what results mean

The Office on Women's Health (US) says that if you are older than 65, you should ask your doctor if it is fine to stop getting these tests. It adds that you should always talk to your doctor or nurse before you stop regular tests. [2]

For women older than 65, the CDC (US) says your doctor may tell you that you no longer need screening. This can apply if you have had three or more Pap tests, or two HPV tests, in the last 10 years. The results need to have been normal or negative, and you need to have had no cervical precancer in the past. It can also apply if your cervix was removed in a total hysterectomy for a condition that was not cancer, such as fibroids. [1]

The CDC (US) explains that an abnormal result means cell changes were found on the cervix. It says this usually does not mean you have cancer. If a test shows something that might not be normal, the CDC says your doctor will contact you and decide how best to follow up. [1]