Cervical cancer screening: HPV test, Pap smear & the HPV vaccine

What cervical screening is for

Cervical screening looks for early changes in the cells of the cervix — changes that can be monitored or treated long before they would ever become cancer. It is a check for healthy women with no symptoms, and it is one of the reasons cervical cancer is considered highly preventable. This page is part of our gynae-oncology & cancer-prevention programme.

HPV — the main cause

Nearly all cervical cancers are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus that usually clears on its own. When a high-risk type does not clear, it can slowly cause cell changes over many years — which is exactly what screening is designed to catch early. Because HPV is the root cause, both vaccination and screening target it directly.

Pap smear vs HPV test

Both are quick and similar to a routine internal examination. Your doctor will advise which test, or combination, is right for you in line with current guidelines.

The HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers. It works best when given before exposure to the virus — which is why it is recommended for adolescents — but catch-up vaccination is also available for many older age groups. Vaccination does not replace screening: the two work together, and vaccinated women still benefit from regular checks.

Who is screened, and when

Screening is recommended for women from early adulthood, repeated at regular intervals that depend on your age and the test used. The exact starting age and interval follow current guidelines and your individual history, so we tailor the schedule to you rather than applying a one-size rule. If you have symptoms such as bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex or after menopause, see a doctor promptly — that is assessment, not routine screening, and is covered under abnormal bleeding.

If a result is abnormal

An abnormal screening result is common and usually does not mean cancer. It most often means cell changes or an HPV infection that needs a closer look — typically a colposcopy (a magnified examination of the cervix) and, if needed, a simple treatment of the affected area. The whole point of screening is to find and manage these changes early. We explain every step calmly and clearly. Routine well-woman checks are part of our preventive gynaecology service.

Frequently asked questions