All women are at risk for breast and cervical cancer, but regular screenings can prevent these diseases or find them early.

Two tests can help prevent cervical cancer—

1. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. You should start getting Pap tests at age 21.
2. The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screening tests. For more information call our office at 910-893-7550 or click on the link to view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site. What should I know about screening?