Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Cervical Cancer

Image

Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screening is an important part of routine health care for people who have a cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. 

Cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages; that is why screening is important. Screening helps find changes early before they become cancer when treatment is most effective. 

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly, starting with abnormal cell changes in the cervix. The good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable and very treatable when it is found early through regular screening. 

What is cervical cancer screening? 

Cervical cancer screening is a simple medical test that checks the cervix for abnormal cells or signs of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can lead to cervical cancer over time. 

Three main types of screening tests: 

  • HPV Test: A sample of cells is taken from the cervix to test for human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause cervical cancer.   
  • Pap Test (Pap Smear): A sample of cells is taken from the cervix to look for abnormal cell changes that could become cancer.   
  • Co-Test: Combines the HPV test and Pap test to check for both HPV infection and abnormal cervical cell changes at the same time.  

Who should get screened?

Image

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends starting cervical cancer screening at age 21. 

  • Ages 21–29: Get a Pap smear test. Routine testing every 3-5 years if results are normal.   
  • Ages 30–65: Talk with your doctor about one of the following options: 
    • HPV test every 5 years
    • Co-test every 5 years 
    • Pap test every 3 years 
  • Age 65 and older: Screening may not be needed if you have had normal results for the past 10 years and no history of cervical precancer, or if your cervix has been removed. 

Based on your health history, your doctor can help decide which option is best for you.

Schedule a screening 

If you are within the recommended age range or may be at higher risk, talk with your doctor about screening. 

If you do not have a doctor, you can schedule an appointment with Nebraska Medicine providers by calling 800.922.0000 or visiting Nebraska Medicine Find a Cervical Cancer Screening Specialist. Nebraska Medicine is our clinical partner.  

For individuals who may qualify for free or low-cost screening in Nebraska, contact: 

Every Woman Matters Program 
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 
(402) 471-0929 
(800) 532-2227 

Through community outreach efforts, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center also helps bring screening services directly into neighborhoods. To find upcoming screening events, visit the Community Events Locator.

In addition to regular screening, it is important to understand factors that may increase your risk of cervical cancer that you may be able to reduce.  

Risk factors for cervical cancer 

The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with HPV. HPV is a very common virus spread through sexual contact. The HPV vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer. 

Other factors that may increase risk include: 

  • Early sexual activity (before age 16) 
  • Having multiple sexual partners or a partner with HPV 
  • Smoking 
  • Long-term use of oral birth control 
  • Having multiple full-term pregnancies 
  • Weakened immune system or HIV/AIDS 
  • Not receiving the HPV vaccine. 
  • Not having regular cervical cancer screenings.