{"id":169409,"date":"2026-02-04T17:16:51","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/?p=169409"},"modified":"2026-02-04T17:16:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:46:51","slug":"cervical-cancer-screening-when-why-and-who-should-get-tested","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/cervical-cancer-screening-when-why-and-who-should-get-tested\/","title":{"rendered":"Cervical Cancer Screening: When, Why and Who Should Get Tested"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Cervical<\/p>\n

When was the last time you went for a health test even though you felt absolutely fine? Many women put off important health checkups like cervical cancer screening simply because it doesn\u2019t feel urgent. There\u2019s no pain, no obvious warning sign, and yet this one simple test has the power to catch changes in the body long before they turn serious. That\u2019s precisely why screening matters.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Dr. Subita Alagh, Medical Content Expert at TATA 1mg, \u201cA few minutes of testing today can prevent years of treatment tomorrow. According to WHO guidelines, early screening aims to catch abnormal cells before they progress [1]. This helps to prevent cancer rather than just treat it.\u201d <\/b>This article walks you through what cervical cancer screening really involves, why it\u2019s important, and who should get tested.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cervical Cancer: What It Is and Why It Happens<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Cervical<\/p>\n

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix \u2014 the narrow lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Generally, most cases of cervical cancer are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Sexually active people may encounter it at some point, as this virus spreads mainly through sexual contact. In most cases, the virus clears on its own. When a high-risk strain stays, it can trigger cell changes that may lead to cancer. no early pain, no warning bells \u2014 just subtle cell changes happening deep inside the cervix.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know?
\n<\/b>HPV 18 and HPV 16 are among the high-risk types that cause around 70% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide [2].<\/b><\/p>\n

Why Cervical Cancer Screening Matters: Detecting Before It Becomes Critical<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early [1,2]. That\u2019s because screening tests can find precancerous changes or actual cancer cells at an early stage. Once these changes are identified, it is possible to provide a timely treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two available screening tests, which include:
\n<\/span>1. The Pap smear (Pap test or cytology test), that looks at cervical cell changes.
\n<\/span>Book a Pap smear test in just a click!<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. HPV DNA test, which checks for high-risk virus types that drive most cervical cancers.
\n<\/span>If you want additional reassurance, an advanced HPV test can help assess your risk!\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What Happens During a Pap Smear or HPV Test?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"pap<\/p>\n

The Pap smear test is quick \u2014 often just a few minutes in a doctor\u2019s office or clinic. A speculum gently opens the vaginal walls so a small brush or spatula can collect cervical cells. Those cells are then analysed in a lab to look for changes or HPV DNA. Some women can feel mild discomfort or pressure, but it\u2019s usually over before you know it. The tests do not directly diagnose cancer; rather, they detect cell changes. An abnormal test result doesn\u2019t mean you have cancer, but if not watched or treated, it may lead to cancer [3]. If results show abnormal changes, your doctor may recommend repeat testing or follow-up procedures like biopsy to look more closely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Should Get Tested \u2014 and When?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"test<\/p>\n

Screening recommendations are based on age and risk factors, not just symptoms. Most international guidelines agree on this pattern [3]:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n