Pap Tests and HPV Tests: The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screenings

Annual well woman visits are an important part of prevention and overall health. They help detect and sometimes prevent health conditions, such as cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in the United States. Today, the rate has dropped significantly due to preventive screening methods like a Pap smear screening, also called a Pap test.

Courtney Payne, PA-C, IF, a certified physician assistant with ProMedica Physicians Gynecology Oncology says, “Cervical cancer is preventable 95% of the time. If patients stay up on routine screenings and exams, we can catch abnormalities (such as dysplasia or precancer) early and usually fix them.”

Understanding Pap Tests and HPV Tests

Like other cancers, cervical cancer develops when abnormal or damaged cells continue to grow and multiply. Gynecological exams help to catch these abnormalities early, sometimes before cancer develops.

Early detection methods for cervical cancer mainly include a pelvic exam and a Pap test of the cervix.

“A Pap test is designed to detect abnormal cervical cells and prompt further investigation if the results are abnormal,” explains Nancy Arquette, MD, with ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics/Gynecology. “The Pap test also includes testing for approximately 14 different strains of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).”

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that might lead to cervical cancer. Few women with HPV get cervical cancer, but nearly all cervical cancer is caused by this virus. Every female over the age of 30 is tested for HPV as part of their Pap test. If you’re under 30, HPV is typically tested for after receiving an abnormal Pap test result.

When to Get Screened

Not sure which test is right for you? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the following screenings guidelines:

• Under 21: No screening.
• 21-29 years old: Pap test every 3 years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women who are 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred.
• 30-65: Pap test every 3 years OR HPV test every 5 years OR combined Pap test and HPV test every 5 years.
• 65+: No screening following prior adequate screening.

When it comes to screening, the most important thing is talking with your health care provider to make sure your screenings are up to date. It is also important to keep in mind that the above are recommended guidelines. Your provider may decide to do a Pap test at your visit regardless of the above guidelines based on your Pap smear and sexual history.

“Regardless of how often Pap tests are recommended, it is still encouraged to see a provider yearly for a well-woman exam,” says Dr. Arquette. “Even though a Pap test may not be performed, an entire physical exam is performed, which includes a breast and pelvic exam. These shouldn’t be skipped, no matter your age.”

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing that a lot of ladies are putting off their routine screenings, whether that’s a physical exam, a Pap test, mammograms or colonoscopies,” adds Courtney. “Medical professionals work hard to keep patients up to date on screenings in efforts to prevent cancer rather than trying to treat it." 

Protecting Your Cervical Health

In addition to annual visits and regular cervical cancer screenings, Courtney recommends talking with your doctor about the HPV vaccination. She explains, “The vaccine prevents the HPV virus from setting up shop and causing abnormal changes in our body. Up to 90-95% of cervix cancers are HPV-driven. If we can vaccinate against that virus, it can really eliminate or reduce the chance of that virus causing problems down the road.” 

Dr. Arquette recommends avoiding smoking as well. “HPV causes cellular damage in the tissues of the cervix. The body has repair mechanisms that can correct and heal this cellular damage. Nicotine prohibits the body from repairing the damage.”

When cervical cancer is found early, the chances for recovery are high. Screenings are especially important because cervical cancer may not always cause symptoms, especially in the beginning stages. Some women may experience pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, abnormal bleeding, or bleeding with intercourse. In advanced cases, women may notice urinary or bowel movement changes, shortness of breath, or swelling.

If you can’t remember when your last pelvic exam or Pap test was, check in with your OB-GYN.

“Well woman exams and pelvic exams may not be patient's favorite thing on their to-do list, but they are critical in health promotion and disease prevention."

Dr. Arquette adds, “Take ownership of your health, talk to your doctor and stay up to date with your preventive screenings.”

Nancy Arquette, MD

Dr. Arquette is an OB-GYN who practices at ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics/Gynecology in Sylvania. View her profile.

Courtney Payne, PA-C

Courtney is a certified physician assistant in gynecology/oncology. She is credentialed in colposcopy, a diagnostic procedure to examine the cervix, vagina and vulva for precancerous cells. View her profile.

Revised June 1, 2026.