Cervical Cancer Screenings
Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers if found early. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer. If you’re 21 to 29 years old, doctors recommend getting a pap smear every 3 years. For those over the age of 30, screening guidelines recommend you get tested for HPV every five years, with or without the pap smear. You may also choose to continue pap smears every 3 years instead of HPV testing. This is because HPV infections are common in your twenties but usually fought off by the body. However, if the infection persists long-term, it could cause persistent inflammation leading to cervical cancer. If you aren’t sure what’s right for you, talk to your doctor to determine what’s best for your situation.