Cervical cancer early detection/screening
Screening
- Tests and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms
Early detection
- Using an approach that lets cervical cancer get diagnosed earlier than otherwise might have occurred.
Can cervical cancer be found early?
- Cervical cancer can usually be found early by having regular screening with a Pap test (which may be combined with a test for HPV).
- Being alert to any signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can also help avoid unnecessary delays in diagnosis.
- Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents any early cervical cell change from becoming cancerous.
Cervical cancer screening
- There are several ways to screen for cervical cancer
- The traditional screening test is called a Pap test
- A Pap test (sometimes called a “Pap smear”) is a test that doctors use to check the cervix for early signs of cancer.
- A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal.
Who should have a pap smear?
- The first Pap test is recommended at age 21
- Pap testing is suggested every 3 years for most women over age 21.
- More frequent testing may be needed if test results are not normal, or for women with HIV disease or other specific immune system conditions.
- Even if you have had a vaccine for human papillomavirus, you will still need cervical cancer screening.
- A laboratory test used to check DNA (genetic material) for certain types of HPV infection.
- Cells are collected from the cervix and checked to find out if an infection is caused by a type of human papillomavirus that is linked to cervical cancer.
- This test may be done if the results of a Pap smear show certain abnormal cervical cells.
Who should have HPV testing?
- If you are 30 years or older, your doctor may recommend HPV testing in addition to a Pap test.
- If your HPV test and Pap test are negative, repeat testing is not usually needed for five years.
- HPV testing may also be done if the results of your Pap test results are unclear
- Being alert to any signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can also help avoid unnecessary delays in diagnosis.
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