Pap Smears

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.

The cervix is the opening of the uterus.

During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and then examined for abnormal growth.

If you are between ages 21 and 29, you should get a Pap test every 3 years.

If you are between ages 30 and 64, you should get a Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test together every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years.

If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor if you can stop having Pap tests.