The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers can be detected early if women has routine Pap smears and pelvic examinations.
Screening should start at age 21. After the first test:
Woman should have a Pap smear ever 2 years to check for cervical cancer. If you are over age 30 or your Pap smears have been negative for 3 times in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear every 3 years. If you or your sexual partner have other new partners, then you should have a Pap smear every 2 years. After age 65-70, most women can stop having Pap smears as long as they have had three negative tests within the past 10 years. If you have a new sexual partner after age 65, you should begin having Pap smear screening again.
You may not need to have a Pap smear if you have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) and do not have a history of cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells), cervical cancer, or other pelvic cancer.
Who needs Pap smear?
The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers can be detected early if women has routine Pap smears and pelvic examinations.
Screening should start at age 21. After the first test:
Woman should have a Pap smear ever 2 years to check for cervical cancer. If you are over age 30 or your Pap smears have been negative for 3 times in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear every 3 years. If you or your sexual partner have other new partners, then you should have a Pap smear every 2 years. After age 65-70, most women can stop having Pap smears as long as they have had three negative tests within the past 10 years. If you have a new sexual partner after age 65, you should begin having Pap smear screening again.
You may not need to have a Pap smear if you have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) and do not have a history of cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells), cervical cancer, or other pelvic cancer.