Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, thanks to effective screening tests that can detect abnormal cell changes long before cancer develops. In many cases, the disease develops slowly over several years, giving healthcare providers a valuable window of opportunity to detect abnormal cells early and intervene effectively.
Regular screening has significantly reduced cervical cancer cases worldwide by allowing early treatment when it is simplest and most successful. Despite this, many women delay or avoid screening altogether. Common reasons for avoiding screening include uncertainty about when to begin, fear of discomfort or embarrassment, lack of awareness regarding the tests, and the misconception that screening is unnecessary without symptoms.
In reality, cervical cancer often shows no warning signs in its early stages, making routine testing essential even for women who feel perfectly healthy. Understanding how screening works and why it matters can help women take a simple but powerful step toward protecting their long-term health.
What is Cervical Cancer Screening?
Cervical cancer screening detects early changes in the cervix that could progress to cancer if left untreated. These tests do not directly diagnose cancer; instead, they identify abnormal cells or precancerous cell changes and high-risk infections at an early stage, when treatment is more straightforward and effective. Precancerous cells are not cancer, but they can gradually turn into cancer over time if they are not monitored or treated.
Persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus spread through intimate contact, is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Screening helps identify either abnormal cell changes or HPV infections before they become dangerous, allowing timely care that can prevent cancer from developing.
Cervical Cancer Screening Tests
There are three primary techniques for screening for cervical cancer:
Pap Test (Pap Smear)
The Pap test (also known as a Pap smear or cervical cytology) checks for abnormal or precancerous cells in the cervix.
During the test, a medical professional gently extracts cells from the cervix with a tiny brush or spatula. The sample is then examined in a laboratory for HPV-related alterations that, if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer. If abnormal cells are detected, further evaluation or treatment can prevent cancer from developing.
A Pap test identifies precancerous cells and cervical cancer. It may also indicate non-cancerous conditions, such as infections or inflammation.
HPV Test
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV types known to cause cervical cancer.
The collection process is similar to a Pap test. Instead of looking at cell changes, the lab analyzes the sample for HPV DNA. Detecting high-risk HPV helps identify women who may need closer monitoring even before cell changes appear.
The HPV/Pap Co-test
In some cases, healthcare providers perform both a Pap test and an HPV test simultaneously.
The HPV/Pap co-test combines an HPV test and a Pap test to look for both high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. This combined approach offers additional reassurance because it screens for both abnormal cells and high-risk virus types.
When to Get Screened for Cervical Cancer
Several organizations, notably the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), develop recommendations for cervical screening. Your age and medical history will determine the frequency of your cervical cancer screening and the tests you should have. Since HPV vaccination does not protect against infection with all high-risk HPV types, vaccinated women should follow cervical cancer screening guidelines.
Age 21 to 29 Years
If you fall within this age range, you should undergo a Pap test for the first time at age 21 and then every three years after that. Before the age of 21, you do not require a Pap test, even if you are sexually active.
Age 30 to 65 Years
If you fall into this age range, the USPSTF recommends screening for cervical cancer via one of the following methods:
- HPV test every 5 years
- HPV/Pap co-test every 5 years
- Pap test every 3 years
Older than 65 Years
If you fall within this age range, consult your healthcare provider to determine if screening is still necessary. Your doctor will most likely tell you that you do not need screening if you have undergone routine screenings and your test results are normal. However, you might need to continue screening after the age of 65 if your most recent test results were abnormal or if you have not had regular screenings.
Exceptions to the cervical cancer screening guidelines
Your doctor may recommend more regular screening if:
- You have HIV.
- Your immune system is weak.
- You recently received an abnormal cervical screening test or biopsy result.
- You previously had cervical cancer.
- You were exposed before birth to diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was administered to some pregnant women during the mid-1970s.
Cervical cancer screening is not necessary if you have had a total hysterectomy, which involves removing both the uterus and cervix, for reasons unrelated to cancer or abnormal cervical cells. However, if your hysterectomy was due to cervical cancer or precancer, consult with your doctor to determine what follow-up care you require.
You should continue your regular cervical cancer screening if you have had a partial or supracervical hysterectomy, which is an operation that removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact.
How to Prepare for the Screening Test
An HPV test doesn’t require any particular preparation.
For a Pap test, you can take steps to ensure accurate results. Avoid sexual activity, douching, and the use of spermicidal foam or vaginal medications for two days before the test. If you had intercourse before the test, inform the doctor and attend the scheduled appointment.
Don’t worry if you are on your period. It is still possible to perform both tests.
What do the Test Results Mean?
Receiving cervical screening results can sometimes feel worrying, but it is crucial to remember that most results are normal, and even abnormal findings rarely mean cancer is present. Screening tests aim to detect changes early, often years before cancer develops, providing ample time for monitoring or treatment if necessary.
Pap Test Results
The results of a Pap test indicate whether the cervical cells are normal or abnormal. Additionally, a Pap test may give an unsatisfactory result.
- Normal Pap Test Results: A normal Pap test result indicates that no abnormal cervical cells were found. The result can also be described as a negative test result or being negative for an intraepithelial lesion (an area of abnormal growth) or cancer.
- Unsatisfactory Pap Test Results: The result suggests that either there were insufficient cells in the lab sample, or the cells were clumped together or hidden by mucus or blood. Your doctor will schedule another Pap test in two to four months. This delay allows the cervical surface cells time to regenerate, ensuring a better sample for the repeat test.
- Abnormal Pap Test Results: An abnormal Pap test result (or a positive result) indicates that your cervix has cell changes, but this usually does not mean cancer is present. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is often the cause of any abnormal changes. They can range from minor (low-grade), which often return to normal on their own, to more serious (high-grade) changes that may develop into cancer if not treated. These higher-grade changes are considered precancerous, meaning they are not cancer but could become cancer over time. In rare cases, an abnormal result may indicate cervical cancer, so additional tests are needed to confirm the findings.
HPV Test Results
HPV test results indicate whether high-risk HPV types were present in cervical cells. An HPV test will produce either a negative or a positive test result.
- Negative HPV Test Result: A negative result indicates that you do not have high-risk HPV. Your next test should be in 5 years. However, you may need to return sooner if you have previously received abnormal results.
- Positive HPV Test Result: A positive HPV test means that you have a high-risk type of HPV linked to cervical cancer. It does not mean that cervical cancer is present, but it indicates a higher risk of developing abnormal cervical cell changes in the future. Based on your specific results, your doctor will recommend the appropriate next steps.
Does Cervical Cancer Have Any Risks?
Screening for cervical cancer saves lives. Only a small percentage of individuals who undergo regular screening for cervical cancer develop the disease. Screening can detect cervical abnormalities early, lowering the risk of death from cervical cancer.
While cervical screening offers benefits, it also has flaws and potential risks. It is advisable to discuss the screening test with your doctor before undergoing it.
- False-Positive Test Results: Sometimes screening test results may seem abnormal even without cancer or precancer. When a Pap test yields a false-positive result—one that indicates precancer or cancer when none exists—it can be depressing and is typically followed by other tests and procedures, which can also be harmful, such as colposcopy, cryotherapy, or the loop electrosurgical excision procedure.
- False-Negative Test Results: Screening test results can appear normal despite the presence of cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. When someone receives a false-negative test result—one that indicates there is cancer when in fact there is—they may delay getting medical help, even if they are experiencing symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Regular cervical cancer screening is a simple yet powerful way to protect long-term health. Pap and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes early, often long before cancer develops, allowing timely monitoring or treatment that can prevent serious disease. Understanding how screening works, keeping up with recommended testing schedules, and following up on any abnormal results can greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Staying informed and proactive about screening helps ensure early detection, easier treatment, and stronger protection for overall well-being.
Why Choose Chughtai Lab for Cervical Cancer Screening?
Choosing the right laboratory for cervical cancer screening ensures accurate results and a comfortable testing experience. Chughtai Lab offers reliable Pap test (Pap smear), HPV test, and co-testing (Pap and HPV testing together) using advanced diagnostic technology and strict quality standards. With experienced professionals, efficient sample handling, and timely reporting, we focus on delivering precise results that support early detection and better health outcomes. We also prioritize patient comfort, confidentiality, and clear guidance on next steps, helping you stay confident and informed throughout your screening journey.
