Pap Smear
A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells scraped from the cervix. It can detect cervical cancer or conditions leading to it, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). All women should start getting Pap smears at age 21. How often you should be screened varies. Some general guidelines are below. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about what’s right for you.
- Ages 21 to 29: If your results are normal, you may be able to wait 3 years between each Pap smear.
- Ages 30 to 65: How often you should be screened depends on your past results and the type of test your provider recommends. Screening may be every 3 years or every 5 years.
- Over age 65: If you have a history of normal screening, your provider may tell you that you no longer need this screening.
You can learn more about Pap smears by logging on to the Secure Member Site. Click Access Wellness in the Quick Links menu. Then, under “Library,” click Search & Browse. Use the Search box to search for “Pap smear” or “Pap test.” (“Pap test” is another term for “Pap smear.”)
The Secure Member Site is a health information resource available at no cost to you.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Cervical Cancer: What Should I Know about Screening?” August 7, 2019, www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm.
PW_07-17_269
DHS_Accepted_11/08/2019
Updated_01/01/2020
