Skip to main

Cervical Cancer Screening

With the right screening tests, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University’s team of gynecologic oncology specialists can help reduce instances of cervical cancer and help prevent the disease.

Screening for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the United States. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

However, with early detection and screening, one can improve their outcome. In fact, out of all the gynecologic cancers, cervical cancer is the only cancer with a screening test. This is why it is critical for people to stay up to date on their regular checkups and cervical screening tests.

The American Cancer Society has established cervical cancer screening guidelines to increase the chances of early detection and catch the cancer before it spreads. Cervical cancer screening tests are available at most pediatrician and gynecology offices.

Testing for Cervical Cancer

There are several cervical cancer screening tests that are vital in the early detection of cervical cancer. These include:

  • Pap smear: During a Pap smear or Pap test, a gynecologist collects a small sample of cells from the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina. Those cells are then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The purpose of this test is to determine the presence of any abnormal or precancerous cells.
  • HPV test: This test looks for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) on the cervix. HPVs are a family of viruses that can trigger cells to mutate, causing a range of conditions, including genital warts, low- and high-grade intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. An HPV infection can cause the cells of the cervix to change and grow, a precancerous condition known as cervical dysplasia.

An abnormal Pap smear or positive HPV test often provides gynecologists an early opportunity to prevent precancerous cells from growing and spreading. Both the Pap smear and HPV test are life-saving screening tools that can help provide an early diagnosis and  prevent cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society's guidelines, these are the following testing recommendations:

  • Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years.
    • Women ages 25 to 29 may consider HPV testing alone, but pap tests are recommended for this age group.
  • Women ages 30 to 65 have a few options:
    • Pap and HPV test every five years
    • Pap test every three years
    • HPV test every five years

Learn more about prevention against cervical cancer and HPV.