When and how often do I need a cervical screening?

(Video uploaded 04/2023)

Transcript

Do I need cervical screening?

Cervical screening is for healthy women who do not have symptoms. Women aged 25 to 64 who ever had sexual experience should have regular cervical screening.

How frequent should I have the screening test?

For Asymptomatic Women at Average Risk
  • Women aged 25 to 29 who ever had sexual experience should have screening by cytology every 3 years after two consecutive normal annual screenings.
  • Women aged 30 to 64 who ever had sexual experience should have screening by:
    1. cytology every 3 years after two consecutive normal annual screenings; or
    2. HPV testing every 5 years; or
    3. co-testing (cytology and HPV testing) every 5 years.
  • Women aged 65 or above who ever had sexual experience:
    1. may discontinue screening if routine screenings within 10 years are normal.
    2. should be screened if they have never had cervical screening.
For Women at Increased Risk
  • Women aged 21 to 24 who ever had sexual experience and with risk factors for HPV infection or cervical cancer are considered at increased risk. They should receive screening based on the doctor’s assessment and recommendations.
  • Other women at high risk of developing cervical cancer may require more frequent screenings based on the doctor’s assessment.

For more information on cervical screening, please visit the Department of Health's Cervical Screening Programme website: www.cervicalscreening.gov.hk.