When you need them—and when you don’t

A Pap test is a test of cells of the cervix. The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus. The Pap test looks for cells that are not normal and can cause cervical cancer. Most women ages 21 to 69 need regular Pap tests. But teenage girls and older women usually don’t need them.

So, when do I need a Pap test?

That depends on your age, your medical history, and your risks.

• Ages 21 to 29: Most provincial and territorial guidelines recommend that if you are at least 21 years of age and are sexually active you should have a Pap test every three years.
• Ages 30 to 69: The guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and others say that you should have the Pap test every three years.
• Age 70 or older: You do not need any more Pap tests if your three previous tests have been normal.
• Risk factors include pre-cancerous cells in your cervix, a history of cervical cancer, ora weak immune system. If any of these apply to you, ask your doctor how often you need a Pap test.

Conditions: Cervical cancer, Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)

Diagnostic Tests: PAP smear (PAP test), Cervical Smear (Cervical Test, Cervical screening)