Cervical Cancer Screening

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Don’t delay, get screened today! To schedule your screening, contact your primary care doctor listed on the back of your member card or call the toll-free assistance number on the card.

 

At CCNC, we’re here to help you stay healthy. We work with your doctors to make sure you get the best care possible. Our goal is to make sure everyone in North Carolina has access to care they deserve, no matter where they live. Supporting you and your health is our top priority, and that includes helping you understand the importance of regular screenings.

 

 

 

 

 

Key Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

 

 

 

Why Get Screened for Cervical Cancer?

Screening for cervical cancer helps find changes in your cells before cancer has a chance to develop. Even if you feel healthy and don’t notice symptoms, screening can catch any issues early—when treatment is simpler and more effective.

 

What is Cervical Cancer Screening?

Cervical cancer screening is a quick and easy test. It only takes a few minutes and can be done by your primary care doctor or an OB-GYN. Regular screenings are important because cervical cancer often doesn’t show signs early on, so it’s best to catch any changes as soon as possible.

 

When to Get Screened

Cervical cancer screening is a quick and easy test. Regular screenings are important because cervical cancer often doesn’t show signs early on, so it’s best to catch any changes as soon as possible.

If you are 21 to 29 years old

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If the results are normal, your doctor might say you can wait three years for your next test.

If you are 30 to 65 years old

Talk to your doctor about the best option for you:

  • HPV test only: If the results are normal, you may only need testing every five years.
  • HPV and Pap test together (cotesting): If both results are normal, you can wait five years for the next screening.
  • Pap test only: Normal results mean you can wait three years until the next test.

If you are older than 65

Your doctor may say you no longer need screenings if:

  • You have had at least three Pap tests or two HPV tests in the past 10 years, and the test results were normal or negative, and
  • You have not had cervical precancer, or
  • You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more detailed information on cervical cancer please see this CDC site.