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Gynecologic Cancer Screenings & Exams

Routine screenings can help detect gynecologic cancer at an early stage.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers screenings for:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Ovarian cancer

Types of Gynecologic Cancer Screenings

There are three recommended screenings:

  1. A Pap test can detect cervical and uterine cancers. Women should have Pap tests every three years starting at age 21.
  2. A pelvic exam checks the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum. Women should have yearly pelvic exams starting at age 21 as part of their well-woman visit with their gynecologist.
  3. An endometrial tissue sample checks for abnormal cells or signs of uterine cancer. Women at high risk for endometrial cancer should talk to their doctor about this test.

Who's At Risk For Gynecologic Cancer?

The following may put you at higher risk of cervical, ovarian, vulvar, vaginal, or endometrial cancer:

  • Testing positive HPV.
  • Abnormal Pap test results.
  • Dysplasia.
  • Vaginal or vulvar lesions.
  • A history of breast cancer.
  • Endometriosis.
  • Being over the age of 18 and having active sex.
  • Not having yearly gynecologic exams.
  • Smoking.
  • Obesity.

Routine screenings and exams can detect conditions that may put you at risk for gynecologic cancer.

How Often Should I Have a Pap Test or Other Screening?

The American Cancer Society suggests the following.

Women ages 21 to 29

Women in this age group should have:

  • A Pap test every three years.
  • An HPV test only if they have an abnormal Pap test result.

Women ages 30 to 65

The preferred approach for this age is to have a Pap test and an HPV test (called "co-testing") every five years.

But it's okay to have a Pap test alone every three years.

Women over age 65

If you're over 65 and have:

  • Had normal Pap test results, you no longer need this test.
  • A history of cervical pre-cancer should have a Pap test for at least 20 years after diagnosis even past age 65.

Women who've had the HPV vaccine should still follow the screening guidelines for their age group.

Read more about gynecologic cancer screenings from UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.