DALLAS – January 2017 – Although the HPV vaccine was made available in 2006 to help prevent cervical cancer, UT Southwestern Medical Center cancer specialists note it’s still important to get a Pap smear screening test as well.

“Women at any age with a history of HPV vaccination should continue to be screened. The vaccine reduces the risk of cancer, but has not yet been shown to eliminate the need for screening,” explains gynecologic oncologist Dr. Jayanthi S. Lea.

The Pap smear was developed in 1941 as a screening test for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.

“Routine cervical screening for women under age 21 and over 65 is no longer recommended. Research has found that testing every three years is sufficient, unless the patient has a health history that requires more frequent screening,” Dr. Lea said. “There is also the option of combining a Pap test with HPV testing. When testing is done this way, it is typically performed every five years.”

Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and do not have a history of cervical cancer may not need further Pap tests, she said. 

*January is cervical cancer month.

Dr. Lea, Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, holds the Patricia Duniven Fletcher Distinguished Professorship in Gynecological Oncology.

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