Prevention · Cancer screening
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical screening with HPV testing and/or cytology prevents cervical cancer by finding changes early. Recommended ages and intervals.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
Why it matters
WHO notes that cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and screening, and treatable when found early.
Recommended schedule
The USPSTF recommends screening women aged 21 to 65: cytology every three years from 21 to 29, and from 30 to 65 either primary HPV testing every five years, co-testing every five years, or cytology every three years.
Vaccination
HPV vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer but does not replace screening.
Factors that can affect the result
- HPV infection
- Smoking
- Weakened immune system
- Vaccination status
Questions people commonly ask
- Do I still need screening if vaccinated?
- Yes. Vaccination does not cover every cancer-causing HPV type.
Related topics
See where your preventive health stands
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- Cervical Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
- Cervical cancer — fact sheet. World Health Organization.