age limits for pap smear
1 The cells are evaluated for abnormalities, specifically for pre-cancerous and cancerous changes. 2  Pap smears are recommended for all women starting at age 21 years or within 3 years of becoming sexually active, whichever comes first. Pap Smear (Pap Test): Resource Overview. The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has decreased by more than 50% in the past 30 years because of widespread screening with cervical cytology, including the Pap test (Pap smear). New technologies, including HPV testing, continue to evolve, as do guidelines for managing abnormal results. Font Size. A. A. A. A Pap test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix that show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer. Pap screen testing should begin at age 21. Routine screening is recommended every three years for women ages 21 to 65. 1 You have had treatment for abnormal Pap results or cervical cancer in the past. 2  You are HIV-positive. 3  Women who are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are at a higher risk of cervical cancer and other cer¬vical diseases. Pregnancy does not prevent a woman from having a Pap smear. Pap smears can be safely done during pregnancy. Pap smear testing is not indicated for women who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) for benign conditions. Pap test. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for cancers and precancers in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina). Precancers are cell changes that might become cancer if they are not treated the right way. Most women ages 21 to 65 should get Pap tests as part of routine health care. Even if you are not currently sexually active, you should still have a Pap test. Women who have gone through menopause (when a woman’s periods stop) and are younger than 65 still need regular Pap tests. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you. Most women can follow these guidelines: 1  If you are between ages 21 and 29, you should get a Pap test every 3 years. 2  If you are between ages 30 and 64, you should get a Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test together every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years. 1 Up to 80% of women diagnosed with invasive cancer of the cervix have not had a Pap smear in the past 5 years. 2  Cancer of the cervix is a preventable disease. “Screening for Cervical Cancer,” issued by ACOG in November 2012, provides a review of the best available evidence for cervical cancer screening. The guideline covers cervical cytology screening techniques (Pap test or Pap smear) and test reporting, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and testing. 1  Read the Practice Bulletin: Screening for Cervical Cancer. 2  Read the News Release: Ob-Gyns Recommend That Women Wait 3 to 5 Years Between Pap Tests.
21 to 65