Pap Smear

What is a Pap smear?  Do I need one?

A Pap smear is a test for females to screen for cancer or precancer of the cervix.  Co-testing for HPV (human papillomavirus) looks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer (precancer) but is not always done with a Pap test.  

If you are a woman between the ages of 21 to 65, you are recommended to get a Pap smear on a regular schedule.  The schedule suggested depends on your age and health history.  

• Ages 21 to 29:  Pap test every 3 years

• Ages 30 to 65:  Depending on health history, Pap test every 3 years, an HPV test every 5 years, OR both Pap and HPV test every 5 years  

Women older than 65 typically do not need a Pap test unless they have never been tested before or they have not been tested since the age of 59.  

Also depending on the health history, women who have had a hysterectomy may or may not need a Pap or HPV test.  If the hysterectomy involved removing the cervix but not for cancer or precancer cells, testing is no longer required.  If the cervix was removed because of cancer or precancer cells, testing needs to be continued as scheduled by your physician.