When Should You have a Pap smear?
Routine tests for high-risk HPV strains include Pap smear tests for women that check for abnormalities in the cervix or womb.
It’s recommended that from the age of 21, women go for a Pap test every three years.
CANSA offers Pap smears at most CANSA Care Centres across South Africa at affordable rates – which includes a clinical breast screening and the laboratory fees.
Public Health Care Screening
Some public health clinics provide Pap smears at no cost.
Asymptomatic women, 30 years and older are eligible to be screened three times at 10-year intervals assuming that no abnormalities are found during screening.
If women experience abnormal symptoms, they can request a Pap smear at public health clinics. (Abnormal symptoms may include abnormal bleeding between periods, heavier and longer menstrual period, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse / after menopause, increased urinary frequency).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive women are eligible for a Pap smear at diagnosis of HIV as they have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
Every three years after diagnosis they are entitled to a Pap smear if they show no symptoms of cervical cancer. If the Pap smear indicates cervical cancer, then yearly screening is recommended.
