Frequently Asked Questions

Cervical screening is a test to detect early abnormal changes in the cervix to prevent cervical cancer. Common screening tests include cytology test (also called cervical smear or Pap smear) and HPV test. The cytology test identifies abnormal cells in the cervix; while the HPV test checks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause cancer. In terms of the sampling procedure, both tests are similar and involve a healthcare professional collecting cells using a brush or swab with the help of a speculum. Regardless of the choice of test, regular screening is the most important.

According to the recommendations of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening, women who meet the screening criteria and are between the ages of 25 and 29 should undergo cervical cytology as the screening modality. For women aged between 30 and 64, they have the options of cytology, HPV testing and co-testing (HPV testing with cervical cytology). In light of HPV testing’s higher sensitivity for earlier detection of precancerous lesions and longer screening interval, starting from April 2023, the Department of Health (DH) has transitioned to HPV testing as the primary screening method for cervical cancer for women aged 30 to 64.

In general, women aged 25 to 64 years who ever had sex, irrespective of marital status, are recommended to have regular cervical screening.

Women aged 65 years or above who ever had sex and have never had cervical screening should be screened, even if they no longer have periods, haven’t had sex for many years or had sterilisation.

Women aged 21 to 24 years who ever had sex and risk factors for cervical cancer should consult their doctors for the need for cervical screening.

You may visit Screening Targets and Recommendations for more details.

Generally, women between the ages of 25 and 64 who have had sex should undergo regular cervical screening. If the results of two consecutive annual cervical cytology tests are normal, then screening can be done every 3 years. Women between the ages of 30 and 64 also have the options of HPV testing or co-testing (HPV testing and cervical cytology) every 5 years.

Regular cervical screening is proven to be an effective way of preventing cervical cancer. Abnormal changes to your cervix may occur after your last screen and therefore regular screening can help to identify problems early, so that your chance for treatment and cure is better.

In Hong Kong, family doctors, gynaecologists, non-governmental organisations, Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) and Woman Health Centres (WHCs) of the Department of Health (DH) provide cervical screening services. You may visit Where to Get Screened for list of some service providers who have registered with CSIS. As individual service providers have different appointment procedures, service charges and operation hours, please contact them directly for service details.

If you are interested in cervical screening services at the MCHCs of DH, please call the cervical screening Service 24-hour Phone Booking and Information Hotline 3166 6631.

The World Health Organisation and some overseas public health agencies have recognized self-collected vaginal sample for HPV testing as an effective approach to cervical screening. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of other self-sampling methods, including those using urine sample. The DH will continue to keep in view the up-to-date scientific evidence in regards to HPV self-sampling. It is important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate cervical screening test for you based on your individual circumstances.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with one of the cancer-causing or high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. Some of the pre-cancerous cervical cell changes may progress to cancer over years.

Cervical cancer may occur between two screening tests, and this mainly happens on women who do not have regular cervical screening. In addition, some cases are caused by missed abnormal changes in previous test (i.e. false-negative result). It is therefore very important to have regular cervical screening.

No screening test is 100% accurate, so even if your previous cervical screening result is normal, you should

• have regular cervical screening; and

• watch out for symptoms of cervical cancer and see a doctor promptly if you have any symptoms.

Yes. Most of the time, early abnormal cell change in your cervix and early stage of cervical cancer do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, regular cervical screening is necessary regardless of symptoms.

Yes. Even with HPV vaccination, you still need regular cervical screening because HPV vaccination does not protect against the HPV types not included in the vaccine, nor against existing HPV infections.

Yes. Cervical cancer may develop in a woman long after starting sexual activity and the risk of cervical cancer increases with age. Therefore, you need regular cervical screening even if you have had sexual activity only once before or a long time ago. If you belong to the targeted screening group and have never had a cervical screening, you should have one as soon as possible.

Yes. Menopause does not protect a woman from cervical cancer. As long as you had sexual experience in the past, you should have regular cervical screening even if you have reached menopause.

In general, women who have hysterectomy with removal of cervix for benign diseases and without prior history of cervical changes can discontinue screening. If in doubt, please consult your doctor.

Vaginal bleeding may occur after having a cervical screening, thus it may not be the best timing to do it during pregnancy. Depending on your clinical condition and previous screening records, your doctor will advise you when you should go for cervical screening. If in doubt, please consult your doctor

Yes. There is no strong familial tendency for cervical cancer. Women aged 25 to 64 years who ever had sex are recommended to have regular cervical screening. You may visit Screening Targets and Recommendations for more details.