A Pap smear is a test that can detect abnormal changes in the cells of your cervix, some of which could indicate cancer. During the test, one of the practitioners at Capital Women's Care Division 64, serving Laurel, Rockville, Silver Spring, MD, and the nearby regions, will collect a sample and analyze it. But, how often should you get this test, and when is it necessary?
When to Start
We recommend our patients start getting Pap smears at age 21. The same applies whether you're sexually active or not. This is because any abnormalities in the cells that the test checks for are uncommon in young adults and teens. At 21, you become more at risk, though. With that said, most of the time, cervical cancer appears in women between the ages of 35 and 44. Fifty is also an age where your likelihood of cervical cancer is still high.
Once you have your first one, a doctor in our Laurel, Rockville, or Silver Spring, MD, office will tell you when you should return based on the results. If you have cancerous cells, we'll inform you of your next step. If you have precancerous cells, we usually advise you to come back in another year to see if they've progressed into cancer. If your test was normal, we'll recommend you come back in three years for another exam. You'll tend to follow this schedule until you reach the age of 29.
Between the Ages of 30 and 65 Years Old
Because your chances of cervical cancer are greater when you're in this age bracket, you may be advised to get both a Pap smear and an HPV test. Sometimes, you'll only need to get a Pap or an HPV test rather than both.
After your first test, you may not need to have another one until three to five years, depending on the test you received. Patients with abnormal results may need to visit again in a year. And patients that have cervical cancer will be advised on their next step.
Older Than 65
Once you reach the age of 65, you may not need to be screened anymore. A practitioner will let you know if this is the case. To not have to test, you'll have to have had normal test results for several consecutive years or have had your cervix removed due to a non-cancerous condition.
At Capital Women's Care Division 64, serving Laurel, Rockville, Silver Spring, MD, and the surrounding areas, we recommend women get a regular Pap smear earlier rather than later, starting at 21 and continuing until at least 65.
Start your routine Pap smears today by calling (301) 468-0073.