Screening and Testing to Detect Cervical Cancer
Screening methods to find cervical changes that may lead to cervical cancer include the Pap test and HPV testing. Screening may find cancers early, when they are most treatable.
On this page:
Cervical Cancer Screening Summary
- Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ®)
[ patient ] [ health professional ]
Expert-reviewed information summary about tests used to detect or screen for cervical cancer.
Cervical Changes and Conditions
- Understanding Cervical Changes: A Health Guide for Women
Explains what test results mean if a recent Pap test showed cell changes in the cervix; discusses that not all cervical changes mean cancer; explains the importance of getting follow-up care for abnormal results.
Pap Test
- Pap Tests: Things to Know
For all women - Emphasizes the message that regular Pap testing can prevent cervical cancer; answers common questions about Pap tests. - Cervical Cancer: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
For Hispanic/Latina women - An overview about cervical cancer and Pap test basics. Available in English and Spanish. - Cervical Cancer: What Vietnamese Women Should Know
For Vietnamese women - An overview about cervical cancer and Pap test basics. - Pap Tests and Cervical Health: A Healthy Habit for You
For all women - Basic information about the Pap test. - Pap Tests for Older Women
For women 65 and older - An overview about Pap testing for post-menopausal women. - Pap Test
A fact sheet that describes the Pap test procedure, possible results, and the link between HPV and cervical cancer. - National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 12 tribes.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer
A fact sheet about the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cancer.
Clinical Trials to Screen for Cervical Cancer
Find Clinical Trials to Screen for Cervical Cancer
Check for cervical cancer screening trials from NCI’s list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients. The list of clinical trials can be refined by location and other features.
Research About Cervical Cancer Screening
- Cancer Trends Progress Report: Cervical Cancer Screening
This section of the Cancer Trends Progress Report focuses on Pap test use. - Cervical Cancer and Other HPV-Related Studies
Descriptions of research projects about HPV infection and cervical neoplasia that are supported by NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics.

