What are the benefits and limitations of screening for cervical cancer?
Almost every test or procedure has benefits and limitations. You might think of these as pros and cons. Before having any test, it’s important to be aware of them so that you’re making an informed decision that’s right for you. No screening test is 100% accurate, but the scientific evidence tells us that having regular Pap tests lowers the risk of dying from cervical cancer. It’s important to know the benefits and limitations of regular cancer screening.

- Having a Pap test reassures you if the result is normal.
- Regular Pap tests may help prevent cervical cancer by finding cervical cell changes in your body that would become cancer if left untreated.
- A Pap test helps find cervical cancer early before you have symptoms.
- A Pap test helps find cervical cancer before it spreads when it is easier to treat.
- Early detection may mean less treatment and less time spent recovering.
- The earlier cervical cancer is detected, the better your chance of survival.
- A Pap test may suggest cervical cell abnormalities when there are none (called a false positive).
- A Pap test may not detect cervical cell abnormalities even though they are present (called a false negative).
- Some cervical cancers would not necessarily lead to death or decreased quality of life (overdiagnosis).
- Some people with cervical abnormalities may have more tests or be treated for a condition that may never have developed into cancer.
It's your decision@(headingTag)>
Your trusted source for accurate cancer information
With just $5 from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.
We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.
If everyone reading this gave just $5, we could achieve our goal this month to fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.