11 Preventive Health Screening Tests Doctors Recommend

3. Cervical screening (Pap/HPV)

Cervical screening detects abnormal cells or high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer. People with a cervix should start screening at age 21 and continue through about age 65, with Pap tests every three years or co-testing with Pap plus HPV every five years depending on guidelines and prior results (USPSTF; American Cancer Society). What to expect: during a brief pelvic exam, a clinician gently collects cells from the cervix with a small brush or spatula; the sample is sent to a lab. Preparation tips: avoid intercourse, douching, or applying vaginal medicines for 48 hours before the test to reduce false results; schedule around work or caregiving duties as needed. If your results show certain abnormal findings or HPV positivity, follow-up may include a repeat test, an HPV typing result, or a colposcopy for closer inspection. HPV vaccination dramatically lowers risk for several cancer-causing strains; discuss vaccination status with your clinician if you’re eligible. Regular screening and vaccination together have greatly reduced cervical cancer incidence where they’re used widely.