Cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix grow out of control.
The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus (womb).
Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV. For more information about HPV click here.
Screening Tests and HPV Vaccine
Screening tests like the Pap test and HPV test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The HPV vaccine can also help prevent cervical cancer. For more information about the HPV vaccine click here.
Symptoms
Early on cervical cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. Later, advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge not normal for you and bleeding after sex.
Cervical Cancer Screening Options
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends cervical cancer screening begin at age 21. The table below lists screening recommendations for you. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
USPSTF Screening Recommendation:
- 21-29: Pap tests every three years
- 30-65: Pap test every three years, or Pap test and HPV test every five years, or HPV test alone every five years
- >65: No screening necessary after 2 negative screening tests within the last 10 years and the most recent in the past 3-5 years
