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 most often 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, it can lead to cancer in the parts of the body exposed to HPV. These can include the cervix, anus, vagina, penis, and/or throat.
It’s important to know that 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 organs before someone realizes they have it. That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly. When and how often you should be screened depends on your age and health history.
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. How often you should get tested depends 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 c. it’s time for your cervical cancer screening. Everyone with a cervix should get a Pap test, which looks for changes in the cells of your cervix that could indicate cancer is developing, starting at age 21. Once you turn 30, your HCP might recommend setting a regular schedule of one of these options:
- A Pap test only
- An HPV test only
- Pap test with HPV test (called co-testing)
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. Regardless of which option(s) you and your HCP choose, most people with cervixes older than 30 should get screened for cervical cancer at least every three to five years.
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 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 5 years or more.
Do you have sex with multiple partners?
a. Yes, I have sex with more than one person
b. No, I only have sex with one person
c. No, 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 you 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.
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.
