Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to screening and the HPV vaccine. The schedule depends on your age and which test you have.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Screening finds HPV and the cell changes it causes years before cancer could develop, which is why regular screening works so well.
The two kinds of test
- Pap test (cytology): looks at cervical cells under a microscope for abnormal changes.
- HPV test: checks for the high-risk HPV types that cause most cervical cancers.
- Co-testing: both tests on the same sample.
The current schedule
These are the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for people with a cervix at average risk:
| Age | Recommended screening |
|---|---|
| Under 21 | No screening |
| 21 to 29 | Pap test every 3 years |
| 30 to 65 | HPV test every 5 years, Pap test every 3 years, or co-testing every 5 years |
| Over 65 | Can usually stop after adequate past screening with normal results |
In a 2024 draft update, the Task Force proposed making HPV testing every five years the preferred approach from 30 to 65, and allowing people to collect their own HPV sample. Check with your clinician about the options they offer.
People who have a weakened immune system, were exposed to DES before birth, or have been treated for a serious precancer may need a different schedule.
Please note
If you’ve had a hysterectomy, whether you still need screening depends on whether your cervix was removed and why. Ask your clinician to confirm.
After an abnormal result
An abnormal result usually leads to one of three things: repeat testing in a year, a colposcopy, which is a closer look at the cervix, or treatment of precancerous cells. Most people with abnormal results never develop cancer, especially when they keep up with follow-up.
The HPV vaccine
The CDC recommends HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12, with catch-up vaccination through age 26. Adults 27 to 45 can decide with their clinician whether vaccination makes sense. Vaccinated people still need screening.
Breast and cervical screening often happen around the same time of life; see our guide to mammograms from 40. For how screening fits a regular visit, read about the preventive checkup.
Key points
- Ages 21 to 29: a Pap test every three years. Ages 30 to 65: an HPV test every five years, a Pap test every three years, or both together every five years.
- A 2024 Task Force draft proposed making HPV testing the preferred method from age 30 and including samples people collect themselves.
- Most people over 65 with a history of normal results can stop, and people whose cervix was removed for non-cancer reasons usually don’t need screening.
- The HPV vaccine is recommended at 11 or 12, and through age 26 for those not vaccinated earlier; it doesn’t replace screening.
Common questions
Is an abnormal Pap test the same as cancer?
No. Most abnormal results reflect HPV-related cell changes that often clear on their own or can be treated long before they become cancer. The follow-up depends on your results and history.
Do I still need screening if I’ve had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine doesn’t cover every cancer-causing HPV type, so vaccinated people follow the same screening schedule.
Can I collect the sample myself?
Self-collected HPV tests are becoming available, including some that are FDA-approved. Ask your clinician whether a self-collected test is right for you and how results will be followed up.
This guide explains general U.S. screening recommendations and is not medical advice. Your clinician may recommend a different schedule based on your health, history and test results.