How to Use the Cervical Cancer Screening Calculator
Regular cervical cancer screening can catch precancerous changes early, when treatment success rates are very high. This calculator enters your age and shows, based on current ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and USPSTF guidance, whether you're eligible for screening right now and how often it's recommended. Screening in the US is recommended starting at age 21, regardless of sexual history.
From ages 21 to 29, a Pap test (cytology) alone every 3 years is the standard recommendation. From 30 to 65, you have two accepted options: Pap plus HPV co-testing every 5 years, or Pap testing alone every 3 years — co-testing is now the more commonly recommended default because it can detect risk earlier. After age 65, screening can often stop if you've had a consistent history of adequate negative results and are not otherwise at elevated risk, though this should always be confirmed individually with your doctor rather than assumed automatically.
If you've ever had an abnormal result or a history of HPV infection, follow the closer-interval follow-up schedule your doctor recommends instead of these standard intervals. Regardless of your screening schedule, symptoms like abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain should prompt an appointment right away. This result does not replace a medical diagnosis, and your exact screening plan should always be decided together with a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Current ACOG guidance recommends starting screening at age 21 regardless of sexual history. If your perceived risk feels low, it's still worth discussing your individual situation with your doctor when you reach screening age.
USPSTF guidance says screening can generally stop after 65 if you've had adequate prior negative screening and are not otherwise at high risk. Confirm with your doctor whether you meet the criteria to stop.