• Don’t screen more often than recommended in those with previously normal results. • Don’t screen for cervical cancer in those who have had a hysterectomy for non-malignant disease. The potential harm from screening younger than 25 years of age outweighs the benefits and there is little evidence to suggest the necessity of conducting tests more frequently than recommended when previous test results were normal. Those who have had a full hysterectomy for benign disorders no longer require this screening. Screening should stop at age 70 if previous test results were normal. Pap test and HPV testing can be used for screening, depending on your setting and the availability of testing.
Sources:
Pillay J, et al. Screening for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer: systematic reviews to inform an update to recommendations by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Syst Rev. 2025 Oct 28;14(1):206. Erratum in: Syst Rev. 2026 Jan 13;15(1):9. PMID: 41152983.