Dhruva Hospitals
Women’s health

Pap smear and cervical cancer screening: who needs it and how often

All health articles

Short answer

Cervical cancer is largely preventable. WHO advises screening from age 30 with a high-performance test every 5 to 10 years (from 25, every 3 to 5 years, for women living with HIV). A Pap smear or HPV test takes a few minutes in the clinic. HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 prevents most cases. Bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause needs a check at any age.

Published
Published by
Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa

Why screening matters

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of HPV, a common virus. It usually takes 15 to 20 years for abnormal cells to turn into cancer, so regular screening can find and treat changes long before cancer develops. Early changes rarely cause symptoms, which is why screening is needed even when you feel well.

Who should be screened and how often

  • Women aged 30 and over: a high-performance test, such as an HPV test, every 5 to 10 years, as advised by WHO
  • Women living with HIV: from age 25, every 3 to 5 years
  • At least two screens in a lifetime, by 35 and again by 45, is WHO’s minimum goal

Your gynaecologist will advise which test suits you, such as a Pap smear, an HPV test or both, and how often to repeat it.

What happens during the test

  1. You lie on the examination couch, and a female staff member can be present.
  2. A speculum is gently placed in the vagina to see the cervix.
  3. A soft brush takes a sample of cells from the cervix. It takes a few minutes and may feel uncomfortable, but should not be painful.
  4. The sample is sent to the laboratory, and the doctor explains the result and any next steps.

It is best not to have the test during your period. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor about the timing.

Symptoms not to ignore at any age

  • Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
  • Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Persistent pain in the back, legs or pelvis
  • Weight loss, tiredness and loss of appetite

HPV vaccination

HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, before they become sexually active, is highly effective at preventing cervical cancer. Vaccinated women still need screening.

At Dhruva Hospitals

We offer Pap smear screening, clinical breast examination and evaluation of abnormal bleeding. Call +91 99599 59694 or WhatsApp us to book with our gynaecology team. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Common questions

Does an abnormal Pap smear mean I have cancer?

Usually not. Most abnormal results show early cell changes or HPV infection, which can be monitored or treated simply to prevent cancer.

I have no symptoms. Do I still need screening?

Yes. Precancerous changes rarely cause symptoms, so screening is the only way to find them early.

Read next

Sources

This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.