Cervical Cancer Screening

“The goal of screening for cervical cancer
is to find precancerous cervical cell changes, when
treatment can prevent cervical cancer from developing”.1

Umbrella

What may the Cervical Cancer Screening Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cervical Cancer Early Detection
  • Cervical Cancer Screening
  • Cervical Screening
  • HPV Screening
  • Pap Smear/Test
  • Pap Smear Test
  • Self Collection/Collect
  • Smear Test

Definition

What is cervical cancer screening?

Dots the definition of cervical cancer screening may Vary. The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

“The goal of screening for cervical cancer is to find precancerous cervical cell changes, when treatment can prevent cervical cancer from developing. Sometimes, cancer is found during cervical screening. Cervical cancer found at an early stage is usually easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cervical cancer may have begun to spread, making treatment more difficult”.2

Screening Tests

What are cervical cancer screening tests?

In Cervical Cancer: Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: How Are Cervical Cancer Screening Tests Done? the American Cancer Society elaborate on:

“The screening tests for cervical cancer are the HPV test and the Pap test. These tests can be done alone or at the same time (called a co-test)”.3

In Cervical Cancer: Screening for Cervical Cancer – Screening Tests the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain:

“The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.

  • The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix
  • The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately

Both tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic”.4

In Cervical Cancer Screening: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? the NCI elaborate on:

“There are three main ways to screen for cervical cancer:

  • The human papillomavirus (HPV) test checks cells for infection with high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer
  • The Pap test (also called a Pap smear or cervical cytology) collects cervical cells so they can be checked for changes caused by HPV that may—if left untreated—turn into cervical cancer. It can find precancerous cells and cervical cancer cells. A Pap test also sometimes finds conditions that are not cancer, such as infection or inflammation
  • The HPV/Pap cotest uses an HPV test and Pap test together to check for both high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes”.5

Self-Collection

Where may I find information about self-collection?

Your Country may have information similar to:

Self-Collection

Start. Frequency. Stop

Can when to start, the frequency and when to stop Pap tests, vary?

Yes. Depending on You (DoY), DotS and/or Depending on Your Country’s (DoYC’s) cervical cancer screening program, when to start, stop and the frequency of Pap tests can vary. It may therefore be in your best interest to choose to check what’s-what for you in your Country.

Screening Program

Where may women find information about cervical cancer screening or early detection programs?

Women may find information about cervical cancer screening or early detection programs from their health care provider or their country’s equivalent of a local community health center or a national and/or state Department/Center/Institute of Aging/Cancer/Disease Control and Prevention/Health/Human Services.

Your country may have a program similar to Australia’s, the United Kingdom’s or the United States’ cervical cancer screening or early detection programs.

Screening Program Example

What is the United States’ cervical cancer screening program?

In National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You the CDC explain:

“CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured”.6

Health Care Provider

When may women stop having regular Pap tests?

DoY, DotS and/or DoYC’s cervical cancer screening program, when women may stop regular Pap tests can vary. It may therefore be in your best interest to choose to check what’s-what for you.

In Pap Smear: Who Can Consider Stopping Pap Smears? the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

“You and your healthcare professional can discuss the benefits and risks of Pap tests and decide what’s best for you”.7

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Cervical Cancer Screening?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Cervical Cancer Screening?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Update

  1. ACOG Explains: Cervical Cancer Screening [The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. Cervical Cancer
  3. Cervical Cancer
  4. Cervical Cancer
  5. Cervical Cancer
  6. Cervical Cancer
  7. Cervical Cancer
  8. Cervical Cancer
  9. Cervical Cancer
  10. Cervical Cancer
  11. Cervical Cancer 101: What Every Woman Needs To Know
  12. Cervical Cancer Awareness
  13. Cervical Cancer Awareness: Screening Tests
  14. Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action [17 November]
  15. Cervical Cancer Overview
  16. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week [19-25 January 2026, United Kingdom]
  17. Cervical Cancer Screening
  18. Cervical Cancer Screening – Multiply Languages
  19. Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap and HPV Tests
  20. Cervical Cancer Screening: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening?
  21. Cervical Cancer Screening: When To Get Screened for Cervical Cancer
  22. Cervical Cancer – Multiply Languages
  23. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
  24. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
  25. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Basics
  26. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer
  27. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: The HPV Test
  28. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test
  29. Cervical Cancer: Reducing Risk for Cervical Cancer
  30. Cervical Cancer: Risk Factors
  31. Cervical Cancer: Screening
  32. Cervical Cancer: Screening for Cervical Cancer
  33. Cervical Cancer: Screening for Cervical Cancer – Screening Tests
  34. Cervical Cancer: Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
  35. Cervical Cancer: Treating Cervical Cancer
  36. Cervical Cancer: Treatment of Cervical Cancer
  37. Cervical Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Lack of Regular Cervical Screening Tests
  38. Cervical Screening
  39. Cervical Screening
  40. Cervical Screening Awareness Week [16-22 June 2025, United Kingdom]
  41. Cervical Screening Invites To Change In England 2025
  42. Cervical Screening Test [Australia]
  43. Cervical Screening: Helping You Decide [United Kingdom]
  44. Cervical Screening: Leaflet for Women Considering Screening [Multiply Languages] [United Kingdom]
  45. Cervical Screening: Programme Overview [England]
  46. Cervical Screening: What Is Cervical Screening? [+ Video]
  47. Cervical Screening: Your Guide To NHS Cervical Screening [Multiply Languages] [United Kingdom]
  48. Colposcopy
  49. Colposcopy
  50. Eveappeal.org.uk [Eve Appeal, United Kingdom]
  51. FAQs: Cervical Cancer Screening
  52. FDA Approves First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Device
  53. Facts and Tips for Cervical Screening: Tips for A Cervical Screening Appointment
  54. Free/Low-Cost Pap Testing [United States]
  55. Genital Warts
  56. Gynecologic Cancers
  57. Gynecological Cancers
  58. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  59. HPV Infection
  60. HPV Vaccine: Who Needs It, How It Works
  61. HPV and Cancer
  62. Home Testing Kits for Lifesaving Checks Against Cervical Cancer
  63. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  64. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer
  65. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): About HPV
  66. Hysterectomy: I’ve Had A Hysterectomy. Do I Still Need To Have Pap Tests?
  67. Information for Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex People
  68. International HPV Awareness Day [04 March]
  69. January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month [United States]
    Cervical Cancer Screening
  70. Mayo Clinic Minute: Cervical Cancer Screening [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  71. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Black Women Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  72. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Cervical Cancer and HPV Screening
  73. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) [United States]
  74. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) [United States]: Find A Screening Program Near You
  75. National Cervical Cancer Coalition [United States]
  76. National Cervical Screening Program [Australia]
  77. National Cervical Screening Program – Frequently Asked Questions About the Cervical Screening Test Self-Collect Option [Australia]
    Cervical Cancer Screening
  78. National Cervical Screening Program – Frequently Asked Questions About the Cervical Screening Test self-Collect Option [Australia]
  79. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection
    Cervical Cancer Screening
  80. Pap Smear
  81. Pap Smear
  82. Pap Smear: Do I Need One If I’m A Virgin?
  83. Pap Test (Pap Smear)
  84. Pap and HPV Tests
  85. Resources To Share  – Videos: Under the Paper Gown Comedy Web Series
  86. Risks and Causes of Cervical Cancer
  87. Self-Collection for the Cervical Screening Test [Australia]
  88. The American Cancer Society Guideline for Cervical Cancer Screening
  89. Tips for Screening Trans and Non Binary Patients
  90. Tips for Your Screening Appointment
  91. Toolkit for Reducing Cervical Cancer Risk
  92. (VIDEO) Improving Cervical Cancer Screening With HPV Self-Collection Tests [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  93. (VIDEO) Who Should Get Screened for Cervical Cancer, and When? [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  94. What Happens During A Cervical Screening Test
  95. What Is Cervical Cancer?
  96. What To Think About If You Test Positive for HPV
  97. What You Need To Know About HPV Testing With Self-Collected Samples
  98. Why Cervical Screening Is Done
  99. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2025]
    Cervical Cancer Screening Cervical Cancer Screening
  100. Your Guide To Cervical Screening

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Cervical Cancer Screening: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? Reviewed: 13 February 2025. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening Accessed: 03 January 2026
  2. Cervical Cancer Screening: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? Reviewed: 13 February 2025. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening Accessed: 03 January 2026
  3. Cervical Cancer: Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: How Are Cervical Cancer Screening Tests Done? Last Revised: 04 December 2025. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests.html Accessed: 03 January 2026
  4. Cervical Cancer: Screening for Cervical Cancer: Screening Tests. 26 February 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/screening/ Accessed: 03 January 2026
  5. Cervical Cancer Screening: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? Updated: 13 February 2025. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening Accessed: 03 January 2026
  6. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You. 09 September 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/about/screenings.html Accessed: 03 January 2026
  7. Pap Smear: Why It’s Done. 20 July 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841 Accessed: 03 January 2026
Topic Last Updated: 05 January 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 January 2026

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