question: Cervical cancer - screening and prevention (Pap Smears): Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. It starts as precancerous changes called dysplasia. Dysplasia can be detected by a medical test called a Pap smear.   Dysplasia is fully treatable. That is why it is important for women to get regular Pap smears, so that precancerous cells can be removed before they can become cancer.   Pap smear screening should start at age 21. After the first test:     - Women ages 21 through 29 should have a Pap smear every 3 years.   - Women ages 30 through 65 should be screened with either a Pap smear every 3 years or a Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years.   - If you or your sexual partner has other new partners, you should have a Pap smear every 3 years.   - Women ages 65 through 70 can stop having Pap smears as long as they have had 3 normal tests within the past 10 years.   - Women who have been treated for precancer (cervical dysplasia) should continue to have Pap smears for 20 years after treatment or until age 65, whichever is longer.      Talk with your provider about how often you should have a Pap smear.