What is this screening?
A Pap smear (or Pap test) collects a sample of cells by swabbing the cervix. The cells are looked at under a microscope to look for any cancerous or pre-cancerous changes. Your doctor may also do an HPV test on the same cervical swab sample. HPV is a virus that is associated with cervical cancer. Your doctor may adjust how often you have Pap smears or perform other tests if you have HPV. This is incorrect: Most women ages 21 to 65 should be tested every 3 to 5 years.
Who needs this screening?
Women age 21 and above should be tested regularly. How often you need a Pap smear will depend on the results of your prior Pap tests. Your doctor will tell you when you are due for your next test.