Pap tests, also known as pap smears, look for abnormal cells that can lead to cancer in the cervix. Cervical cancer screening is effective for preventing cervical cancer. During a Pap test, your provider will insert a tool into your vagina that helps your healthcare provider see and swab your cervix with a soft brush. They’ll use the cells on the brush to test in a lab and share back the results to you.
HPV tests look for the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause cervical cancer. Pap smears and HPV tests can be done at the same time (called co-testing). There are different types of HPV, and some are more likely to cause cervical cancer. Your provider will be able to test which type if it is positive. Similar to a pap smear, during an HPV test, your healthcare provider will insert a tool into your vagina so they can swab your cervix with a soft brush/cotton swab.
Learn more about Pap Smears and HPV tests, with frequently asked questions here.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated guidelines for cervical cancer screening. ACS recommends cervical cancer screening with an HPV test alone every 5 years for everyone with a cervix from age 25 until age 65.
If HPV testing alone is not available, people can get screened with an HPV/Pap co-test every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years.
| Guidelines from the ACS | |
|---|---|
| Age range | 2020 Screening Recs from ACS |
| 21-24 | No screening |
| 25-29 | -HPV test every 5 years (preferred) OR -HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) OR -Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) |
| 30-65 | -HPV test every 5 years (preferred) OR -HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable) OR -Pap test every 3 years (acceptable) |
| 65 and older | No screening if a series of prior tests were normal |