WHAT IS A CERVIX?

The cervix is the lowest part of your uterus or womb where it joins the vagina. It allows for bleeding during your period and opens to let the baby out during birth. It is pink and the size of a coin. Cancer can develop in the cervix.

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR CERVICAL CANCER?

Women and people with a cervix should be screened for cervical cancer. Even people who have had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine should be tested if they have a cervix.

• Screening should start at 21 years of age and continue until at least 65 years of age.

• Screening can stop at 65 years of age for many people.

• Some people may need screening after 65 years of age, depending on their history.

• Depending on the test, screening should take place every 3 to 5 years.

WHY GET CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING?

Cervical cancer screening has saved many lives. Screening helps find changes of the cervix that are not normal and can develop into cancer. It can find these changes before you have any symptoms. Treating these changes can help prevent cancer from happening later.