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

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, the frequency and when to stop Pap tests, can vary. It may therefore be in your best interest to choose to check what’s-what for you.

Young

If I am young, do I still need regular Pap tests?

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

For the United States, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) note in Cervical Cancer Screening: When To Get Screened for Cervical Cancer – Age 21-29 Years:

“If you are in this age group, USPSTF recommends getting your first Pap test at age 21, followed by Pap testing every 3 years. Even if you are sexually active, you do not need a Pap test before age 21”.¹

What is USPSTF?

USPSTF can be an abbreviation for the United States Preventative Services Task Force.

Virgin

Do I still need regular Pap Tests if I’m a virgin?

In Pap Smear: Do I Need One If I’m A Virgin? the (United Sates) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

Different Differences

Do I still need regular Pap Tests if I have different differences?

In Who Should Get A Cervical Screening Test? Should You Have A Cervical Screening Test? the (Australian) National Cervical Screening Program explain:

“It makes no difference if you:

• Are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight
• Have had the HPV vaccination or not
• Are no longer sexually active
• Have been through menopause
• Have been with only one sexual partner
• Have experienced traditional cutting or circumcision
• Have had a baby
• Are pregnant (ensure to let your health care professional know)”.³

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender+

If I am gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, do I still need regular Pap tests?

In About Cervical Screening: Cervical Screening FAQs – Should LGBT+ People With A Cervix Go for Cervical Screening the (United Kingdom) Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust elaborate on:

HPV Vaccine

If I have had the HPV vaccine, do I still need regular Pap tests?

In Cervical Cancer: Prevention – Do You Still Need To Have Cervical Screening Tests If You Have Had the Vaccine? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health note:

Stopped Having Children

If I have stopped having children, do I still need regular Pap tests?

In The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer according to the American Cancer Society (ACS):

Partial Hysterectomy

If I have had a partial hysterectomy, do I still need regular Pap tests?

In Who Should Get A Cervical Screening Test? Should You Have A Cervical Screening Test? the National Cervical Screening Program explain:

“If you have had a full or partial hysterectomy, please check with your doctor about screening”.⁷

Total Hysterectomy

If I have had a total hysterectomy, do I still need regular Pap tests?

In Hysterectomy: I’ve Had A Hysterectomy. Do I Still Need To Have Pap Tests? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

Diethylstilbestrol

If my mother took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) while she was pregnant with me, do I still need regular Pap tests?

In Cervical Cancer Screening: When To Get Screened for Cervical Cancer – Exceptions To the Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines the NCI note:

Other Conditions

What if I need more regular Pap tests?

In The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer: Considerations for Other Patient Populations according to the ACS:

“Those who are at high risk of cervical cancer because of a suppressed immune system (for example from HIV infection, organ transplant, or long-term steroid use) or because they were exposed to DES in utero may need to be screened more often. They should follow the recommendations of their health care team”.¹⁰

HPV Test

What is a HPV test?

In The HPV Test the ACS elaborate on:

“The most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Doctors can test for the high-risk HPV types that are most likely to cause cervical cancer by looking for pieces of their DNA in cervical cells. The test can be done by itself (primary HPV test) or at the same time as a Pap test (called a co-test). You won’t notice a difference in your exam if you have both tests done”.¹¹

Symptoms

What if I think I have symptoms?

In Cervical Screening: When Do I Start Screening? the (Australian) Cancer Council note:

“Cancer Council recommends that women of any age who have symptoms (including pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge) should see their doctor immediately”.¹²

Stop

Can 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 stop 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 Mayo Clinic explain:

Health Care Provider

What if I am unsure whether I still need Pap tests?

In Pap Smear: Who Can Consider Stopping Pap Smears? the Mayo Clinic also 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”.¹⁴

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