TL;DR: Most women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21 with a Pap smear every three years. Starting at 30, you have the option of a Pap smear plus HPV co-testing every five years, which is now the preferred approach for many women. Screening is typically recommended through age 65. Your OB/GYN will help you determine the right schedule based on your age, history, and results.
Due for a Pap smear or cervical screening? Schedule your well-woman visit at Lona Sasser OB/GYN.
Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Explained: Pap Smears, HPV Testing, and What’s Right for You
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — and regular screening is the reason why. Thanks to the Pap smear and, more recently, HPV testing, cervical cancer deaths have declined dramatically over the past several decades. But the guidelines for screening have evolved, and it’s easy to feel uncertain about when you should be screened, how often, and what it all means.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the current cervical cancer screening guidelines, what each test involves, and what to do if your results come back abnormal.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology, your health is our top priority. Cervical cancer screening is a routine part of the well-woman care we provide to patients of all ages in Coral Springs, FL. To make an appointment, you can easily book online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050.
What Is Cervical Cancer Screening?
Cervical cancer screening looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix — changes that, if left undetected and untreated, could potentially develop into cancer over time. The goal of screening isn’t necessarily to detect cancer itself, but to catch precancerous changes early, when they’re easiest to treat.
There are two main tests used for cervical cancer screening:
- Pap smear (Pap test): collects cells from the cervix to check for abnormal changes
- HPV test: checks for the presence of high-risk strains of human papillomavirus, the virus that causes the vast majority of cervical cancers
These tests can be done separately or together — a combination known as co-testing.
Current Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age
Under 21
Cervical cancer screening is not recommended for women under 21, regardless of sexual activity. The cervix of younger women is more prone to minor cell changes that typically resolve on their own, and early screening in this age group leads to unnecessary procedures without meaningful benefit.
Ages 21–29
Women in this age group should have a Pap smear every three years. HPV testing alone is not recommended for this age group because HPV infections are very common and usually clear on their own in younger women. Co-testing is also not recommended for routine screening in this group.
Ages 30–65
This is where you have the most options, and where the guidelines have shifted in recent years. According to ACOG and the US Preventive Services Task Force, women 30–65 can choose from:
- A Pap smear alone every 3 years
- An HPV test alone every 5 years
- Pap smear + HPV co-testing every 5 years (preferred by many providers for its greater sensitivity)
Co-testing has become the preferred approach for many OB/GYNs because it catches more cases of precancerous changes than either test alone, while the 5-year interval reduces the risk of unnecessary follow-up for benign findings.
Over 65
Women over 65 who have had adequate prior screening with normal results can generally stop cervical cancer screening. Adequate screening means three consecutive normal Pap smears, or two consecutive normal co-test results, within the past 10 years — with the most recent test within the past 5 years.
Women who have a history of cervical precancer (CIN2 or higher) should continue screening for at least 25 years after treatment, even if that extends beyond age 65.
What About the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer. It’s most effective when given before exposure — ideally in adolescence — but is now approved for adults up to age 45. Importantly, vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening. Even vaccinated women should continue to follow the standard screening schedule.
What Happens If Your Results Are Abnormal?
An abnormal Pap smear or positive HPV test doesn’t mean you have cancer. The vast majority of abnormal results indicate minor cell changes that either resolve on their own or require minimal treatment. What happens next depends on the type of abnormality found:
- Minor abnormalities (like ASCUS or low-grade changes): often just require a repeat Pap in one year or an HPV test to see if the change resolves
- High-grade abnormalities: typically require a colposcopy — a closer examination of the cervix using a special magnifying instrument — and possibly a biopsy
- Positive HPV result with normal Pap: usually means more frequent follow-up or co-testing in one year
Your OB/GYN will explain exactly what your results mean and recommend next steps specific to your situation. An abnormal result is a reason to stay engaged with your care — not a reason to panic.
Does Screening Change After a Hysterectomy?
If you’ve had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) for a non-cancerous reason, cervical cancer screening can typically be stopped. However, if you had a hysterectomy because of cervical cancer or precancer, your doctor will recommend continued screening of the vaginal cuff. If you’ve had a partial hysterectomy (cervix removed, uterus retained), routine screening should continue.
Staying Up to Date Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Health
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, your health is our top priority. We offer comprehensive well-woman care and cervical cancer screening for patients of all ages in Coral Springs, FL. Our team — Dr. Lona Sasser, Dr. Mary Squire-De Leon, and Dr. Cherelle Leslie — will make sure you’re on the right screening schedule and that you understand exactly what your results mean.
We serve women in Coral Springs, Tamarac, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, North Lauderdale, and Boca Raton.
Book your well-woman exam online through Zocdoc or call us at 954-340-1050. Prevention starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer Screening
Is a Pap smear the same as an STI test?
No. A Pap smear checks for abnormal cervical cells, not infections. STI testing is a separate process and requires different samples. Your OB/GYN can perform both at the same visit, but they need to be ordered separately.
Do I still need an annual exam if I don’t need a Pap smear every year?
Yes. Your annual well-woman exam covers much more than cervical screening — including a pelvic exam, breast exam, blood pressure, general health discussion, and referrals for other preventive screenings. The interval between Pap smears has increased; your annual exam has not.
Can I get screened while pregnant?
Yes. Cervical cancer screening can be performed during pregnancy if it’s due, and your OB/GYN may include it as part of your first prenatal visit. The test is safe and does not affect the pregnancy.
What is CIN and should I be worried?
CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) refers to abnormal cell changes on the cervix that are classified by grade: CIN1 (mild), CIN2 (moderate), and CIN3 (severe). CIN is not cancer — it’s a precancerous condition that, when monitored and treated appropriately, rarely progresses to cancer. Most CIN1 resolves without treatment.
What if I’m overdue for my Pap smear?
Schedule one as soon as possible. It’s never too late to resume screening. Your OB/GYN will assess your history and recommend the appropriate next steps regardless of how long it’s been.
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