Pap Test vs HPV Test: What’s the Difference?
Both tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early
Both tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early
When it’s time for a cervical cancer screening, you may wonder if you need a Pap test, an HPV test or both. Both tests are important for finding cervical cancer early, but they look for different things.
The Pap test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could lead to cancer. The HPV test checks for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus that can cause those cell changes.
Both tests can spot problems before symptoms appear, which is when treatment works best.
“Screening saves lives,” says Maria Murillo, MD, an OB-GYN at Scripps Clinic Encinitas. “Cervical cancer used to be one of the leading causes of death for women in the United States, but the death rate has significantly dropped in recent decades due to more women getting screened for cervical cancer.”
How common is cervical cancer?
Even though rates have gone down due to screening and vaccination, cervical cancer is still common and takes lives.
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates:
- 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.
- 4,320 women will die from the disease.
Most cervical cancer cases occur in women ages 35–44, with an average diagnosis of age 50. It’s rare before age 20.
Early detection saves lives
Although cervical cancer screening is effective, many women in the U.S. remain unscreened. Most cases of cervical cancer occur in women who have never had a Pap test or haven’t had one in several years.
“People who do not get regular screenings may only find out they have cervical cancer when it is advanced. At that stage, it is harder to treat,” Dr. Murillo says.
If caught early, the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer can be as high as 92%.
Pap vs. HPV testing – or both?
The frequency of Pap and HPV tests depends on your age, history and risk factors. Your doctor will guide you on this.
Your doctor might recommend co-testing. This means you will have a Pap test and an HPV test. Both tests use the same sample of cervical cells. This method helps find abnormal cells or high-risk HPV infections early.
Cervical cancer screening guidelines
The American Cancer Society recommends these screening guidelines for cervical cancer:
- Start screening at age 25 for women at average risk.
- Primary HPV testing every five years is the preferred screening method for women ages 25 to 65.
- Co-testing every five years is acceptable, or a Pap test every three years if primary HPV testing is not available.
- Screening may stop at age 65 if you’ve had at least 10 years of screening without serious abnormal results.
- Women who are at higher risk may need more frequent screenings. This includes those with a history of cervical cancer, HIV or organ transplants.
What to expect during a Pap or HPV test
Both the Pap test and HPV test are done during a pelvic exam, usually in a doctor’s office or clinic.
During the exam, a speculum is gently placed into the vagina to allow the doctor to see the cervix. A soft brush or spatula is used to collect a small sample of cervical cells. The procedure only takes a few minutes. It may cause mild discomfort, but it is quick and usually easy to manage.
What does a positive test mean?
Positive HPV test
A positive test means a high-risk type of HPV has been detected. However, a positive result does not mean you have cancer. In most cases, especially in younger women, the body clears the virus by itself without treatment.
“Your doctor will likely monitor the infection to make sure it doesn’t persist or cause abnormal changes,” Dr. Murillo says.
Positive Pap test
A positive Pap test indicates abnormal cervical cells, often due to high-risk HPV or other factors like inflammation.
“A positive Pap test does not mean you have cervical cancer,” Dr. Murillo says. “It means we found abnormal or unusual cells, and that could be due to several reasons. Usually, the first step is to repeat the test. If the result is still positive, we look into further testing.”
How is cervical cancer treated?
If doctors find precancerous cells, they can remove them using:
- Cryotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP)
If cervical cancer is diagnosed, treatment may include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Or a combination, depending on the stage and type
Lower your risk with HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against common high-risk strains of HPV. It works best when given before being exposed to the virus, ideally between ages 9 and 12, but it’s recommended up to age 26, and in some cases up to age 45.
“Cervical cancer is mostly preventable with screening and the HPV vaccine,” Dr. Murillo says. “Talk to your doctor about the best screening schedule for you.”
Free or low-cost cervical cancer screenings
Cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but costs and access can be barriers for many women.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, free or low-cost screenings are available through local clinics and national programs.
“Regular screening and HPV vaccination are your best protection — and help is available to make sure you can access both,” Dr. Murillo says.