Screening and Treatment

Screening tests help doctors detect gynecologic cancers early when they are most treatable. Our experts recommend following these screening guidelines for early detection and to help reduce your risk of cervical, ovarian, uterine and vaginal cancers. 

Cervical Cancer Screening 

Under 21: No screening needed; however, women under 21 who are sexually active should visit their gynecologist yearly to get screened for sexually transmitted infections and to make sure there are no problems related to contraception and/or pelvic pain. 

21-29: Have a Pap smear every three years, if test results are normal

30-65: Get co-tested (HPV screening plus a Pap smear) every five years (recommended)

65+: There’s no need to continue with screening if you’ve always had normal Pap smear results

If you’ve had a hysterectomy: No screening needed, unless your hysterectomy was for reasons related to your cervix

>

If you had the full series of HPV vaccines: Follow age-specific recommendations

Ovarian Cancer Screenings

Currently, there are no screening tests for ovarian cancer. An annual pelvic exam includes checking the ovaries, but it can’t find ovarian cysts unless they are large. Letting your doctor know of any symptoms will help with making a correct diagnosis. 

Uterine Cancer Screenings

Currently, there are no screening tests for uterine cancer. Letting your doctor know of any symptoms will help with making a correct diagnosis.

Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer Screenings

Currently, there are no screening tests for vaginal and vulvar cancers. An annual pelvic exam can help your doctor detect lumps or changes in your vagina or in the skin of your vulva. Letting your doctor know of any symptoms will help with making a correct diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for gynecologic cancers usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. For women with uterine cancer, a minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy may be an option.