The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a test that takes a sample of a woman’s cervix and look for changes in the cells. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
The Pap test can tell if a woman has an infection, or abnormal cervical cells that may indicate cervical cancer or a precancerous condition.
According to guidelines set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women ages 21 to 30 years should be screened every two years using either the standard Pap test or liquid-based cytology (another way cervical cells are tested) and the advantage of the liquid based cytology is that it allows for HPV testing to be more readily available.
Women 30 years and older who have had three consecutive negative (normal) cervical test results may be screened once every three years with either screening test.
Women older than 30 years can also be co-screened with a combination of the Pap test and an HPV test; if they receive negative results on both tests they do not need to be rescreened for at least 3 years.
It’s important to remember, however, that it’s not a one-size fits all situation for women. If a woman has a risk factor for cervical cancer, she may need more frequent screenings. These risk factors include:
- Having HIV
- Being immunosuppressed
- Previous treatment for certain cancers or abnormalities.
Women aged 65 to 70 years who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may decide, after talking with their doctor, to stop having Pap tests. This, however is not advised for every woman – especially those who have risk factors listed above.
Finally, women who have had a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and cervix do not need to have a Pap test, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for a precancerous condition or cancer.
Schedule your yearly exam with one of our providers in our South Jersey office today.
