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Early cervical pre-cancer or cancer often have no signs or symptoms - that is why it is important for women to have regular Pap tests. Symptoms usually appear when the cancer is more advanced. You should let your health care provider know right away if you have any of the following:
  • any unusual discharge from the vagina (not your normal period)
  • blood spots or light bleeding other than your normal period
  • bleeding or pain after sex, douching, or after a pelvic exam
These symptoms do not mean that you have cancer. They can be caused by something else, but you must check with your health care provider.

The Pap test can find changes in the cervix that can be treated before they become cancer and also is very effective in finding cervical cancer early, when it is highly curable.

The Pap test can find changes in the cells of the cervix caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). While there is no cure for HPV, the abnormal cell growth they cause can be treated.

Condoms (rubbers) may protect against HPV when they are used correctly, and it is important to use them because they do protect against AIDS and other sexual diseases.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine for HPV - to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV.

Below are the recommendations for the HPV vaccine:

  • For girls and women 9 through 26 years of age.
  • Does not protect against all cancer-causing types of HPV.
  • Used for prevention, not treatment.

Discuss the HPV vaccine with your health care provider.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following:

All women should begin having the Pap test about 3 years after they start having sex (vaginal intercourse), but no later than 21 years of age.

The test should be done every year if the regular Pap test is used, or every 2 years if the newer liquid-based Pap test is used.

Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal test results in a row may get the test every 2 to 3 years. Another option for women over 30 is to have one of the Pap tests every 3 years plus the HPV DNA test. Women who have certain risk factors (HIV infection, weakened immune system) should have a Pap test every year.

Women 70 years of age or older who have had 3 or more normal tests in a row (and no abnormal tests in the last 10 years) may choose to stop having the test. But women who have had cervical cancer or who have other risk factors (as mentioned above) should keep on having the test as long as they are in good health.

Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) for reasons other than having cancer or a pre-cancerous lesion may also choose to stop having the test. Women who have had a simple hysterectomy should continue to follow the guidelines above.