Starting at age 21, all people with a cervix should have routine tests for cervical cancer. Doctors may recommend more frequent testing if you have these cervical cancer risk factors:

• History of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection
• Smoking
• Lack of regular Pap smear testing
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or a weakened immune system, which may put you at a higher risk for HPV
• History of chlamydia, a sexually transmitted bacteria that can cause infection in the reproduction system
  
• Other reproductive factors, including long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), three or more full-term pregnancies, and first full-term pregnancy before age 20
• Personal or family history of cervical cancer
• Your mother took the medicine DES (diethylstilbestrol) while pregnant with you

Cervical cancer screening happens as part of a pelvic exam. Your healthcare provider gently inserts a speculum in the vagina to open it and see the cervix. Using a soft brush, the provider collects a sample of cells and mucus from the cervix.

We send the sample to a laboratory for either or both of these tests:

• Pap test (Pap smear) detects early cervical cancer or precancerous cervical cells.
• HPV test checks for infection with the types of HPV that can cause cancer.

If you have an abnormal Pap smear or positive HPV test, your doctor may recommend additional tests, including:

• Colposcopy allows your doctor to examine the cervix’s surface for signs of cancer with a colposcope (a specialized magnifying device).
• Cervical biopsy, in which your doctor removes a small cervix tissue sample, and a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing cancer) tests it for cancer.

Cedars-Sinai offers comprehensive services for cervical cancer prevention, treatment and beyond. Learn more below: