The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. It sits between the uterus, where—if you are pregnant—the fetus grows and develops, and the vagina.
The cervix is prone to a type of cancer that’s usually caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that most people who have sex will get at some point in their lives.
In the vast majority of cases, HPV will go away on its own. But for some people, it can lead to cancer in the parts of the body exposed to the virus. These can include the cervix, anus, vagina, penis, and/or throat.
Cervical cancer can grow for a long time without showing any symptoms. If this happens, the cancer can become advanced or even spread to other parts of the body before someone realizes they have it. That’s why it’s important to get tested on a regular schedule. When and how often you should be tested depends on your age and health history.
When should you get screened for cervical cancer? Take this quiz to find out.
Do you have a cervix?
a. Yes
b. No, I’ve had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) because of cancer
c. No, I’ve had a hysterectomy because of a condition other than cancer
d. No, I was not born with female reproductive organs
If you have a cervix and answered a, you should be screened for cervical cancer. Now it’s important to determine how often you should get tested.
That will depend mainly on your age. Your healthcare provider (HCP) might recommend you follow a personalized screening plan based on other factors, too, including aspects of your health history or sex life.
If you answered b or c, ask your HCP about screening. People who have had a hysterectomy in which the cervix was removed for a cause other than cancer might not need to get screened, but your HCP can let you know for sure.
How old are you?
a. 15-20
b. 21-29
c. 30-65
d. 65+
If you answered b, you may be due for a cervical cancer screening. Most people with a cervix should have their first Pap test at age 21. This test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix that could indicate that cancer is developing. If your Pap test results are normal, you should continue to be screened every three years.
People age 30 and older may continue to have a Pap test every three years, or they may get a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. This test checks cells for infection with HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. People in this age group could also opt to get the HPV/Pap co-test, which uses an HPV test and Pap test together to check for both high-risk HPV infection and cervical cell changes. The co-test should also be repeated every five years until the age of 65. The decision of which tests to run—and how often to get them—will depend on your risk for cervical cancer and the results of your previous tests.
Do you take birth control pills (as opposed to other forms of birth control like an IUD)?
a. Yes, I take birth control pills
b. No, I am not on the pill
If you are taking birth control pills ad answered yes, it’s especially important for you to get a cervical cancer screening. Being on the pill can put you at higher risk for cervical cancer, especially if you’ve been on it for five years or longer.
Do you have sex with multiple partners?
a. Yes, I have sex with more than one person
b. No, I have sex with only one person
c. I am not sexually active
The more partners you have, the greater your risk of getting HPV or multiple strains (types) of HPV. When your HPV risk goes up, so does your risk for cervical cancer.
If have sex with multiple partners, it’s important to get tested for cervical cancer and/or HPV on a regular basis. You should also:
- Use condoms, female condoms (which go inside the vagina) and/or dental dams (thin plastic barriers that go between the mouth and vagina, or mouth and anus, during oral sex).
- Talk openly with your partners about how often you’ll get tested for STIs.
- Abstain from all forms of sex until all partners can get tested when you or one of the people you have sex with is showing signs of an STI.
- Ask your HCP about the HPV vaccine. It’s recommended that all children receive the two-dose vaccine between the ages of 9 and 12. But adults who have not been vaccinated can also receive the vaccine up to age 26, In some high-risk cases, the HPV vaccine may be recommended up until age 45.
Rose Hayes, MA, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in patient education and nursing innovation. She is Director of Engagement at Emory School of Nursing.
