When to screen for cervical cancer
Cervical cancer screenings are critical
EVERY
3-5 years
For
25-65 year olds
(with a cervix: has not had a full hysterectomy and removed the cervix)
However, this screening timeline can differ depending on your screening history. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Screen for Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is nearly 100% preventable with routine screening. In fact, it is through routine screening, that we can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lowest portion of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. High-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) causes nearly all cervical cancers. When screening for cervical cancer (also known as the Pap smear), cells are collected and tested for high-risk HPV.
According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer rarely occurs in people who have been getting regular tests to screen for cervical cancer.1
Screening saves lives.
There is an HPV vaccine, which provides strong protection, but regular screening is still essential—regardless of your vaccination status. Learn more about it here.
What test is being performed?
There are three types of cervical cancer screening tests:
All the modern FDA-approved cervical cancer screening tests, Primary HPV test and co-test (HPV test + Pap test), are good at finding cancer and pre-cancer. The Primary HPV test is better at preventing cervical cancers than a Pap test alone and does not add more unnecessary procedures, which can happen with a co-test.1
Primary HPV test
The Primary HPV test is the most sensitive test for cervical cancer screening. HPV testing looks for 14 types of high-risk HPV, which are the single most important risk factor in developing cervical cancer. When testing with the Primary HPV test, the sample can be collected by the patient or by the clinician.
When using the Teal Wand, your self-collected sample is tested with Primary HPV.
Co-test (HPV test & Pap smear)
A co-test is two tests, a Pap smear and a HPV test. A co-test must be performed in-clinic by a clinician, using a speculum and a brush because the cells need to come from the cervix for a Pap smear.
Pap smear
The pap smear is the least accurate screening with only 53% accuracy. A Pap smear must be performed in-clinic by a clinician, using a speculum and a brush because the cells need to come from the cervix.
How often should I screen?
Cervical cancer screenings are critical for anyone 25-65 years of age who has an intact cervix (has not had a full hysterectomy and removed the cervix). If you are under 25 or over 65 and would like to screen, please consult a local healthcare provider to discuss your screening options.
All of the following factors help determine how often you should be screening for cervical cancer:
- Type of test performed (Primary HPV, co-test, or Pap smear)
- Collection method (self-collect vs. clinician-collect with the speculum)
- Your results and history of results
For individuals that have normal results (negative HPV or Pap) and a history of normal results, below are the U.S. screening guidelines, per the American Cancer Society2,3:
Test and collection method
Screening frequency
if a history of normal results*
Primary HPV test with the Teal Wand
Sample collected by patient at-home
3 years
Primary HPV test (in office)
Sample collected by provider using a speculum
5 years
Co-test (Pap and HPV test)
Sample collected by provider using a speculum
5 years
Pap smear
Sample collected by provider using a speculum
3 years
* If your results are abnormal or you have a history of abnormal results, you may need additional procedures and/or to screen more frequently. When screening with the Teal Wand, Teal providers will guide you on next steps and when to screen next.
Why do the screening guidelines differ by test and collection method?
Test: The screening intervals are different based on the accuracy (also called sensitivity) of the test and how early it can detect abnormalities that could be a sign of cervical cancer. Primary HPV is the most accurate and is validated to detect precancer. When HPV does not clear on its own, it can take the infected cells about 15-20 years to develop into cervical cancer. But when it is detected early, as precancer, there are several options to prevent cervical cancer – this is why it is typically recommended to screen every 3-5 years with the Primary HPV test.
The Pap smear is less accurate, and it is only able to detect abnormal cell changes once they have happened – which could be a sign of cancer already being present. Therefore, if you are screening with the Pap smear, you have to screen more often.
Collection Method: Just as we saw the screening intervals evolve decades ago, the screening guidelines for self-collection (at-home and in-clinic) will likely also evolve as Primary HPV testing becomes more widely adopted in the U.S.
Why do FDA-approved screening devices and tests matter in cervical cancer screening?
Cervical cancer screening is incredibly important, and you want to make sure the way you are screening has been clinically shown to be accurate. You don’t want to use any test that hasn’t been rigorously tested. The FDA process ensures the proper measures are taken for your safety, accuracy, and effectiveness.
Sources
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