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Regular cervical cancer screenings can help you stay healthy. It can help your doctor find and treat cervical cancer early on.
When is the best time to get a cervical cancer screening? Here’s what you should know.
What Are Common Types of Cervical Cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are the most common types of cervical cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma makes up about 9 in 10 cervical cancers. It grows in cells located in the outer part of the cervix.
Adenocarcinoma makes up the majority of other cervical cancers. It starts in cells located in the inner part of the cervix that connects the vagina to the uterus.
Most cervical cancers are caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can infect the cells in the cervix to cause cancer.
Other factors may also increase your risk for cervical cancer and HPV. These risk factors are:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Weak immune system
- High number of sexual partners
- Other STIs
What Is the Screening Process for Cervical Cancer?
A cervical cancer screening involves two tests: an HPV test and a Pap smear. The HPV test checks your cells for the HPV. The Pap smear checks for abnormal cells. These tests can be done at a health clinic or doctor’s office.
During these tests, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down. Your doctor will use a special instrument to look at the inside of your vagina.
Next, your doctor will examine your vagina and cervix. A long cotton swab will be used to collect a sample of cells from your cervix. The sample will be sent to a lab and checked for cancer.
What Are the Screening Guidelines for Cervical Cancer?
If you are female, ask your doctor about when to get cervical cancer screenings. Your doctor can recommend a schedule based on your medical history.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and CDC have their own screening guidelines.
ACS Guidelines:
- Cervical cancer screenings should start at the age of 25.
- After 25, women should get a primary HPV test every 5 years until 65.
- After 25, women can get a Pap test every 3 years if a primary HPV test is not available.
- Women can stop cervical cancer screening if they are over 65 and:
- Had regular screenings in the last 10 years, and
- Had normal results for the last 25 years, or
- Had a total hysterectomy (removal of cervix and uterus) for a non-cancerous condition.
CDC Guidelines:
- Cervical cancer screenings should start at age 21.
- After 30, women should get a primary HPV test every 5 years until 65.
- After 30, women can get a Pap test every 3 years if a primary HPV test is not available.
- Women can stop cervical cancer screening if they are over 65 and:
- Had at least 3 Pap tests or 2 HPV tests in the past 10 years, and
- Had normal or negative results, or
- Had a total hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition.
About 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Cervical cancer screenings can lead to early treatment and recovery if you are diagnosed with this condition.
Jai Medical Systems can connect you with a women’s health provider or your primary care provider for this important screening, so contact us today at 1-888-524-1999 to learn more.