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
  • Pap Smear Test
  • Pap Test
  • 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 the American Cancer Society elaborate on:

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

In Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening? 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.

  1. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
  2. 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

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.

 

Cervical Cancer Screening

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.

Find free and low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings in your area – National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection ProgramScreening 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:

“Discuss your options with your doctor and together you can decide what’s best for you based on your risk factors. If you’re sexually active with multiple partners, your doctor may recommend continuing Pap testing”.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 Updated

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  20. Cervical Cancer Screening – Multiply Languages
  21. Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap and HPV Tests
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  23. Cervical Cancer – Multiply Languages
  24. Cervical Cancer: Basic Information About Cervical Cancer
  25. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
  26. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
  27. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer
  28. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: The HPV Test
  29. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test
  30. Cervical Cancer: How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?
  31. Cervical Cancer: Prevention of Cervical Cancer: The Cervical Cancer Vaccine – Do You Still Need To Have Cervical Screening Tests If You Have Had the Vaccine?
  32. Cervical Cancer: Screening
  33. Cervical Cancer: Treating Cervical Cancer
  34. Cervical Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
  35. Cervical Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Lack of Regular Cervical Screening Tests
  36. Cervical Cancer: What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
  37. Cervical Cancer: What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer?
  38. Cervical Cancer: What Should I Know About Screening?
  39. Cervical Cancer–Patient Version
  40. Cervical Health Awareness Month [January, United States]
  41. Cervical Health Awareness Month: Information, Research, Patient Services, Advocacy
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  43. Cervical Screening (Smear Test)
  44. Cervical Screening Awareness Week [19-24 June 2023, United Kingdom]
  45. Cervical Screening Test [Australia]
  46. Cervical Screening for Trans Men and/or Non-Binary People
  47. Cervical Screening: Helping You Decide [United Kingdom]
  48. Cervical Screening: Leaflet for Women Considering Screening [Multiply Languages] [United Kingdom]
  49. Cervical Screening: Programme Overview [England]
  50. Cervical Screening: What Is Cervical Screening? [+ Video]
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  57. Facts and Tips for Cervical Screening
  58. Free/Low-Cost Pap Testing [United States]
  59. Gynecological Cancers
  60. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  61. HPV Awareness Day [+ Video]
  62. HPV FAQs
  63. HPV Infection: How Does It Cause Cervical Cancer?
  64. HPV Vaccine: Who Needs It, How It Works
  65. HPV and Cancer
  66. HPV and Pap Testing
  67. HPV and Pap Testing: Do Women Who Have Been Vaccinated Against HPV Still Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer?
  68. HPV and Pap Testing: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening?
  69. HPV and Pap Testing: When Should A Woman Begin Cervical Cancer Screening, and How Often Should She Be Screened
  70. HPV and Relationships
  71. Have You Heard the Secret To Cervical Cancer Prevention?
  72. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  73. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer
  74. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV Infection
  75. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  76. Hysterectomy: I’ve Had A Hysterectomy. Do I Still Need To Have Pap Tests?
  77. International HPV Awareness Day 04 Mar 2023 [+ One Less Worry Video]
  78. Is It Time for Your Screen Test? [+ Video]
  79. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust [United Kingdom]
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  80. Let’s Talk About…Smear Tests When You Have Endometriosis
  81. Mayo Clinic Minute: Screening for Cervical Cancer [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  82. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Black Women Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  83. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Cervical Cancer and HPV Screening
  84. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
  85. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You
  86. National Cervical Cancer Coalition
  87. New Cervical Screening Test Option A ‘Game Changer’ [Australia]
  88. New Recommendations for Screening and Treatment To Prevent Cervical Cancer
  89. Our Videos: [+ Screening (Other Language Films)]
  90. Pap Smear
  91. Pap Smear: Do I Need One If I’m A Virgin?
  92. Pap and HPV Tests
  93. Prevent Cervical Cancer
  94. The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer
  95. The Cervix
  96. The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test
  97. Videos About Gynecologic Cancers: “Under the Paper Gown” With Amber Ruffin

  98. What Is Cervical Cancer?
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  100. World Ovarian Cancer DayWorld Ovarian Cancer Day 2023

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. HPV and Pap Testing: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? Reviewed: 27 April 2023. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/pap-hpv-testing-fact-sheet#q2 Accessed: 31 August 2023
  2. HPV and Pap Testing: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? Reviewed: 27 April 2023. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/pap-hpv-testing-fact-sheet#q2 Accessed: 31 August 2023
  3. Cervical Cancer: Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer. Last Revised: 13 January 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests.html Accessed: 31 August 2023
  4. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening? Last Reviewed: 21 August 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 31 August 2023
  5. Cervical Cancer Screening: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening? Updated: 27 April 2023. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/cervical/Patient/page3 Accessed: 31 August 2023
  6. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You. Last Reviewed: 28 March 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm Accessed: 31 August 2023
  7. Pap Smear: Who Can Consider Stopping Pap Smears? 18 June 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841 Accessed: 31 August 2023
Topic Last Updated: 31 August 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 31 August 2023

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