Getting screened (tested) for cervical cancer means getting tested before you have any symptoms. Screening tests for cervical cancer include:

<ul>
	<li>Pap tests, also called Pap smears</li>
	<li>HPV (human papillomavirus) tests</li>
</ul>

These tests can help find cervical cancer. They can also find cervical cells that are infected with HPV or other abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.

Most cervical cancers can be prevented by regular screenings —&nbsp;and the right follow-up treatment when needed.

<h4>How often should I get screened for cervical cancer?</h4>

How often you need to get screened depends on how old you are and which screening tests you get.

If you’re age 21 to 29, get screened with a Pap test every 3 years.

If you’re age 30 to 65, you have 3 options:

<ul>
	<li>Get screened every 3 years with a Pap test</li>
	<li>Get screened every 5 years with an HPV test</li>
	<li>Get screened every 5 years with both a Pap test and an HPV test</li>
</ul>

Talk with your doctor about which option is right for you. Some women&nbsp;may also need to get screened more often. For example, your doctor may recommend that you get screened more often if you’ve had abnormal test results in the past.

If you’re age 66 or older, ask your doctor if you need to continue getting screened for cervical cancer.

The Basics: Overview

<h4>What is cervical cancer?</h4>

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the low, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.

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&nbsp;

Abnormal cells in the cervix can turn into cancer if doctors don’t find and treat them.

<h4>What causes cervical cancer?</h4>

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus). Some types of HPV cause genital warts, and others cause cancer. HPV is the most common infection spread through sex (vaginal, anal, and oral).&nbsp;

In most cases, HPV infections go&nbsp;away on their&nbsp;own. But when they last for a long time, they can cause cancer.&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm?_label_=Get+more+information+on+HPV+infection">Get more information on HPV infection</a>.

Learn more about cervical cancer and screening:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/http/www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/cervical_facts.pdf?_label_=Cervical+Cancer+%5BPDF+-+584+KB%5D">Cervical Cancer [PDF - 584 KB]</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/understanding-cervical-changes?_label_=Next+Steps+After+an+Abnormal+Cervical+Cancer+Screening+Test">Next Steps After an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-screening-pdq?_hash_=section%2Fall&_label_=Cervical+Cancer+Screening">Cervical Cancer Screening</a></li>
</ul>

The Basics: Cervical Cancer

<h4>What happens during&nbsp;cervical cancer screening tests?</h4>

Cervical cancer screening tests usually happen as part of a pelvic exam. During this exam, you lie on your back on an exam table, bend your knees, and put your feet into stirrups.

While you lie on the exam table, the doctor or nurse will put a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina and open it to see your cervix. The doctor or nurse will use a special brush to collect some&nbsp;cells from your cervix. Then the doctor or nurse will send these cells to a lab, where an expert will&nbsp;check for abnormal cells or for the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

These tests take about 5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but it usually doesn't hurt.&nbsp;If you’re not comfortable being alone with the doctor or nurse during the exam, ask to have another health professional from the practice (like another nurse) in the room, too.

Learn more about cervical screening tests:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003911.htm?_label_=Pap+tests">Pap tests</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/human-papillomavirus-hpv-test/?_label_=HPV+tests">HPV tests</a></li>
</ul>

<h5>What else happens during a pelvic exam?&nbsp;</h5>

Cervical cancer screening is just part of a pelvic exam. During this exam, the doctor or nurse will also check your uterus, ovaries, and other organs.

The Basics: Cervical Cancer Screening Tests

Take these steps to help prevent cervical cancer.

<h4>Get ready for&nbsp;your cervical cancer screening test.</h4>

Call a doctor’s office or health clinic to schedule your cervical cancer screening test and pelvic exam. Ask your doctor if you need to follow any special instructions before getting a cervical screening test.

<h4>Find out your test results.</h4>

When you get screened, ask the doctor how you’ll find out the results.

The kind of results you get can vary based on the type of test:

<ul>
	<li>Pap test results can be "normal," "unsatisfactory,"&nbsp;or "abnormal"&nbsp;</li>
	<li>HPV test results can be “positive” or “negative”&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

It can take up to 3 weeks&nbsp;to get your results. If you don’t hear back by then, call your doctor’s office or clinic.&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/test-results.htm?_label_=Get+help+understanding+your+cervical+screening+test+results">Get help understanding your cervical screening test results</a>.

If your Pap test result is "abnormal" or your HPV test result is "positive," it's important to get the follow-up care your doctor recommends.

<h5>What about cost?</h5>

Under&nbsp;the&nbsp;Affordable Care Act,&nbsp;most insurance plans must cover screening for cervical cancer.&nbsp;Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get tested at no cost to&nbsp;you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover screening for cervical cancer at no cost. If you have Medicare,&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/http/www.medicare.gov/coverage/cervical-vaginal-cancer-screenings.html?_label_=learn+about+Medicare+coverage+for+Pap+and+HPV+tests">learn about Medicare coverage for Pap and HPV tests</a>.

If you don't have insurance,&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/nccd.cdc.gov/dcpc_Programs/index.aspx?_hash_=%2F1&_label_=find+a+program+near+you+that+offers+free+or+low-cost+cervical+cancer+screening+tests">find a program near you that offers free or low-cost cervical cancer screening tests</a>.

To learn more, check out these resources:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/?_label_=Free+preventive+care+for+women+under+the+Affordable+Care+Act">Free preventive care for women under the Affordable Care Act</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.healthcare.gov/health-care-law-protections/?_label_=How+the+Affordable+Care+Act+protects+you">How the Affordable Care Act protects you</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/marketplace.cms.gov/technical-assistance-resources/c2c-roadmap.pdf?_label_=Understanding+your+health+insurance+and+how+to+use+it+%5BPDF+-+698%26nbsp%3BKB%5D">Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698&nbsp;KB]</a></li>
</ul>

Take Action: Get Screened

<h4>Get the HPV vaccine.</h4>

The HPV vaccine is recommended for children and adults ages 9 to 26. Most people get it as a pre-teen — but if you didn’t get it and you’re 26 or younger, talk with your doctor about getting it now.&nbsp; 

If you’re age 27 to 45 and you haven’t gotten the HPV vaccine, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and several other types of cancer. It also protects against the types of HPV that cause most genital warts. <a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.hhs.gov/immunization/diseases/hpv/index.html?_label_=Learn+more+about+the+HPV+vaccine">Learn more about the HPV vaccine</a>.

<h4>Get your child the HPV vaccine.</h4>

All girls and boys need to get the HPV vaccine — usually at age 11 or 12, although your child can get it as early as age 9. If you have kids,&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html?_label_=make+sure+they+get+the+HPV+vaccine">make sure they get the HPV vaccine</a>.

<h4>Get your well-woman visit every year.</h4>

During your visit, talk to the doctor or nurse about other important screenings and services to help you stay healthy. Find out more about&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/everyday-healthy-living/sexual-health/get-your-well-woman-visit-every-year?_label_=getting+your+well-woman+visit+every+year">getting your well-woman visit every year</a>.

Take Action: Lower Your Risk

Get Screened for Cervical Cancer

All pre-teens need 2 doses of the HPV vaccine (shot) when they are age 11 or 12.<h4>What is HPV?</h4>HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that can cause cancer.&nbsp;HPV infections can cause:<ul><li>Cervical cancer</li><li>Cancer inside the vagina (vaginal cancer) or around the opening of the vagina (vulvar cancer)</li><li>Cancer of the penis (penile cancer)</li><li>Cancer of the anus (anal cancer)</li><li>Cancer of the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer)</li><li>It can also cause warts in the genital area.</li></ul>The good news is that the HPV vaccine can prevent many of these diseases.&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm?_label_=%3Cspan%3ELearn+more+about+HPV%3C%2Fspan%3E">Learn more about HPV</a>.

<h4>When does my child need to get the HPV vaccine?</h4>Doctors recommend that all children get 2 doses of the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years, but your child can get it as early as age 9 years. Doctors usually give the 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart.Keep in mind that the HPV vaccine works best if your child gets it at the recommended age. And — like with other vaccines — kids have the best protection when they get all their doses on schedule.<h5>What if my child is older than 12 years?</h5>It’s not too late to protect your child. Teens who didn't get the HPV vaccine when they were younger can still get it now.Teens ages 13 to 14 years need 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart — just like kids ages 11 to 12 years. Teens and adults who get their first dose of the vaccine after their 15th birthday will need 3 doses spread out over 6 months.Young adults can get the HPV vaccine, too. Everyone can get the vaccine through age 26 years — and some adults ages 27 to 45 years may decide to get vaccinated after talking with their doctor. But it's still best for your child to get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years.

The Basics: Recommended Ages

<h4>Is the HPV vaccine safe?</h4>Yes, the vaccine is very safe. It's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.For more information about the HPV vaccine, check out:<ul><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html?_label_=Human+Papillomavirus+%28HPV%29+Vaccination%3A+What+Everyone+Should+Know">Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html?_label_=%3Cspan%3EReasons+to+Get+HPV+Vaccine%3C%2Fspan%3E">Reasons to Get HPV Vaccine</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/http/cdc.gov/hpv/parents?_label_=%3Cspan%3EHPV%3A%26nbsp%3BResource+for+Parents%3C%2Fspan%3E">HPV:&nbsp;Resource for Parents</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccinesafety.html?_label_=%3Cspan%3EHPV+Vaccination+Is+Safe+and+Effective%3C%2Fspan%3E">HPV Vaccination Is Safe and Effective</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/http/www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-vaccine-young-women.htm?_label_=%3Cspan%3EHPV+Vaccine+Information+for+Young+Women%3C%2Fspan%3E">HPV Vaccine Information for Young Women</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm?_label_=%3Cspan%3EHPV+and+Men+%E2%80%94+Fact+Sheet%3C%2Fspan%3E">HPV and Men — Fact Sheet</a></li></ul><h4>What are the possible side effects of the HPV vaccine?</h4>The most common side effects are pain, redness, or swelling near where the shot was given. Other common side effects are fever, nausea (upset stomach), headache, and feeling tired.Some pre-teens and teens may faint after getting any vaccine, including the HPV vaccine. It's a good idea to have your child sit or lie down while getting the shot — and for 15 minutes afterward.Keep in mind that the benefits of the HPV vaccine far outweigh the risk of side effects.

The Basics: Safety and Side Effects

Help protect your child’s health with the HPV vaccine.<h4>Schedule a doctor's&nbsp;visit for your child.</h4>Doctors will usually give the first dose of the HPV vaccine during your child’s yearly checkup at age 11 or 12 years. But your child can get their doses at any doctor’s visit. Remember, it’s always a good idea to check with your child’s doctor to make sure they’re getting all the recommended vaccines.<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/shots-vaccines/get-your-pre-teens-shots-schedule?_label_=%3Cspan%3ELearn+about+other+vaccines+your+pre-teen+may+need%3C%2Fspan%3E">Learn about other vaccines your pre-teen may need</a>.<h4>Make sure your child gets their doses of the HPV vaccine at the recommended times.</h4>It’s important for your child to get the HPV vaccine on schedule. To make sure you stay on track, schedule appointments for any remaining doses on the day your child gets the first one.

Take Action: See a Doctor

<h4>What about cost?</h4>Under the&nbsp;Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover recommended vaccines. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your child's HPV vaccine at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). <a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.insurekidsnow.gov/coverage/index.html?_label_=Learn+about+coverage+options+for+your+family">Learn about coverage options for your family</a>&nbsp;If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost HPV shots for your child.<ul><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents/qa-detailed.html?_label_=%3Cspan%3EFind+out+if+your+child+qualifies+for+free+vaccines%3C%2Fspan%3E">Find out if your child qualifies for free vaccines</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.hhs.gov/immunization/get-vaccinated/where/index.html?_label_=%3Cspan%3EFind+a+free+or+low-cost+vaccination+program+in+your+state%3C%2Fspan%3E">Find a free or low-cost vaccination program in your state</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/?_label_=%3Cspan%3EFind+a+health+center+near+you+and+ask+about+the+HPV+vaccine%3C%2Fspan%3E">Find a health center near you and ask about the HPV vaccine</a></li></ul>To learn more, check out these resources:<ul><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-children/?_label_=%3Cspan%3EFree+preventive+care+for+children+covered+by+the+Affordable+Care+Act%3C%2Fspan%3E">Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act</a></li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.healthcare.gov/health-care-law-protections/?_label_=%3Cspan%3EHow+the+Affordable+Care+Act+protects+you%3C%2Fspan%3E">How the Affordable Care Act protects you</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/marketplace.cms.gov/technical-assistance-resources/c2c-roadmap.pdf?_label_=%3Cspan%3EUnderstanding+your+health+insurance+and+how+to+use+it+%5BPDF+-+698+KB%5D%3C%2Fspan%3E">Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]</a></li></ul>

Relevant Topics

Get Screened for Cervical Cancer

Get Your Child the HPV Vaccine

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