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Risks of Cervical Cancer Screening
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Screening tests have risks.
Decisions about screening tests can be difficult. Not all screening tests are helpful and most have risks. Before having any screening test, you may
want to discuss the test with your doctor. It is important to know the risks of
the test and whether it has been proven to reduce the risk of dying from cancer.
The risks of cervical cancer screening include the
following:
False-negative test results can occur.
Screening test results may appear to be normal even though cervical cancer is
present. A woman who receives a false-negative test result (one that
shows there is no cancer when there really is) may delay seeking medical care even if she has symptoms.
False-positive test results can occur.
Screening test results may appear to be abnormal even though no
cancer is present. Also, some abnormal cells in the cervix never become cancer. A false-positive test result (one that shows there is cancer when there really isn't) can cause anxiety and is usually followed by more tests and procedures (such as colposcopy, cryotherapy, or LEEP), which also have risks. The long-term effects of these procedures on fertility and pregnancy are not known.
Your doctor can advise you about your risk for cervical cancer and your need for screening tests.
Studies show that the number of cases of cervical cancer and deaths from cervical cancer are greatly reduced by screening with Pap tests. Screening should be done at least once every 2 or 3 years starting within 3 years after a woman begins to have sexual intercourse.
In women who have had a total hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus and cervix) for a condition that is not cancer, screening with the Pap test is not helpful. Women who are aged 60 years or older when they have a negative Pap test are very unlikely to have abnormal Pap tests on repeat screening.
The decision about how often to have a Pap test is best made by you and your doctor.
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