- The Pap test (or Pap smear) helps find precancers, cell
changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they
are not treated appropriately. Women should start getting the
Pap test at age 21 years, and then every three years after that.
- The HPV test checks for the virus that can cause these cell
changes on the cervix. It may be used to screen for cervical
cancer, with the Pap test, in women aged 30 years and older. If
both tests are negative, the risk for cervical cancer is very
low and women can wait five years before another screening. HPV
tests also may be used to provide more information when a Pap
test has unclear results. Currently, there is no routine
screening test recommended for other HPV-related health effects,
such as genital warts or other HPV-associated cancers (cancers
of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharnyx). The Pap test
does not screen for cancers other than cervical cancer. Although
there is no routine screening test for other HPV-associated
diseases, you should visi