Cervical health refers to the wellness of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Why is cervical health important throughout your life? It’s crucial in terms of preventing, detecting, and treating cervical cancer. The good news is cervical cancer remains one of the most successfully manageable types of cancer, thanks to modern screening and vaccination.

According to the American Cancer Society, this helped cervical cancer incidence rates drop by more than half from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s.

However, proper cervical health and gynecological health as a whole should remain a lifelong, proactive mission for all women, one that changes as you age. The following is what every age group needs to know about cervical screenings.

The Foundation: Adolescence and Early 20s

When women are in their early 20s, cervical health begins with screenings. The importance of Pap smears shouldn’t be overlooked. Cervical cancer screenings typically begin at age 21 with a Pap test, repeating every three years. Yet steps toward prevention can begin earlier than that. The HPV vaccine can serve as the first line of defense against cervical cancer. This vaccine protects against the types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted virus, that most commonly cause cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a one-dose vaccination for children ages 11-12.

The Active Years: Ages 25 to 65

Due to the higher sensitivity of HPV testing and the fact that it allows for longer intervals between testing, women are recommended to eventually transition from Pap-only to HPV-based screening or co-testing. The age at which this takes place depends on which guidelines your gynecologist follows, either the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) or the American Cancer Society (ACS).

ACS suggests transitioning to primary HPV testing or co-testing at age 25, while ACOG recommends the transition begin at age 30. The options are:

• Primary HPV testing alone every five years.
• Co-testing (HPV and Pap testing) every five years.
• Or women can continue Pap testing alone every three years.

While Pap and HPV testing are essential in terms of detecting cervical cancer, they also assist in monitoring reproductive health, fertility, and hormonal shifts.

Do I Still Need Cervical Screenings After Menopause?

Cervical cancer screening can typically stop at age 65 only if there is a long history of normal, adequate results. However, not everyone should simply stop screening after menopause. First, talk with your gynecologist and see if screening is still needed. If you’ve experienced a test with abnormal results or you have not had regular screenings, your provider may suggest screening past age 65. Symptoms such as post-menopausal bleeding should always be assessed, no matter your age.  

Let YourTown Health Monitor Your Cervical Health

YourTown Health’s specialists can help guide you toward and provide proper cervical health practices with the screenings, assessment, and treatment. To make an appointment, find a location near you or message us online.