[.highlighted] Q: Dear Teal, [.highlighted] I have heard different timelines from friends. How often should you get a pap smear?
A: First, a quick note on Pap smears. For decades, a Pap smear was the best way to test for cervical cancer. Then, with the evidence that HPV causes more than 90% of cervical cancers, the HPV test was introduced alongside the Pap smear.
Now, there are three ways to test for cervical cancer: a Pap smear, an HPV test, and a co-test, which includes both a Pap smear and HPV test.
You’ll notice each of these tests mentioned in the guidelines below.
Here is the most current screening schedule for cervical cancer, according to the leading expert organizations.
If you receive an abnormal result, this timeline may be adjusted and should be discussed with your provider.