Cervical Cancer: Get Screened with the Pap Test

January is National Cervical Cancer Screening Month, which bring to mind to one of the most well-known screening tests: the Pap test.

The Pap test, also called a Pap smear, is the main screening test for cervical cancer. Developed in the 1950s by Dr. George Papanicolaou, the test looks for changes in cervical cells that could lead to cancer. The American Cancer Society campaigned for acceptance of the test, and widespread use has helped cut cervical cancer deaths by more than 70 percent. Today, most invasive cervical cancers are found in women who have not had a Pap test in the last 5 years.

Women should begin screening for cervical cancer about 3 years after beginning to have vaginal intercourse, but no later than age 21. Screening should be done every year with regular Pap tests or every 2 years using liquid-based tests; tests may be done less frequently after age 30, if a woman has had 3 normal Pap tests in a row.

All women should talk with their doctors to determine a screening schedule that fits their age, risk, and other factors.

Learn more about cervical cancer

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