How often should you get screened for cervical cancer?

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Cervical cancer diagnosis are increasing as women aren’t always keeping up on screening.

Dr. Mae Zakhour, a gynecologic oncologist with Corewell Health, said the latest guidance is to get a pap smear every three to five years. The U.S. Preventative Task Force Services recommends pap smears starting at age 21 and adding human papillomavirus testing by the age of 30.

“HPV testing seems to be actually more accurate,” Zakhour noted. “A lot of countries have adopted that as the primary mode of screening.”

Cervical cancer can be present with no symptoms, which is why it’s important to get screened. When there are symptoms, they can include abnormal bleeding, including after intercourse; pelvic or bladder pain; or urinary or bowel changes.

“Any sort of pelvic symptom that’s new really should be presented to a primary care provider or OBGYN,” Zakhour said.

She said the best way to prevent cervical cancer is to get the HPV vaccine.

“Unfortunately, we’re not performing very well as a country in administering the HPV vaccine,” she said. “About 40% of people are compliant with HPV vaccination. It is recommended to give that vaccination at the age of 11 to 12. So girls and boys should be receiving that. That is the most important thing for cervical cancer prevention because most of them are caused by HPV.”

You can get the vaccine up to age 45, though some insurance companies will not cover it for women older than 26 — the maximum age for which it was originally approved.

She urged women to check in with their primary care provider or OBGYN every one to two years for guidance on pap smears, HPV testing and other health screenings.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.