1. Sexually Active Women: All sexually active women should have regular cervical cancer screening to protect themselves from viruses such as HPV. Because HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and the most common cause of cervical cancer. Women with an active sexual life are at risk of HPV infection.

2. Women 25 years and older: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women aged 25 and older should have regular Pap smears (PAP tests) and HPV tests. Women in this age group should be screened for cervical cancer because HPV infections can develop into cancer over the years.

3. Women with HPV Infection: Women who have been exposed to the HPV virus or have had HPV infections in the past can detect possible cancer development at an early stage with regular screening examinations. HPV infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer and carriers of this virus should therefore be checked more frequently.

4. Women who smoke: Smoking is a risk factor that increases the likelihood of HPV infections turning into cancer. Women who smoke have a higher risk of cancer, even if they have never had an HPV infection. Therefore, women who smoke should be screened regularly.

5. Women with a family history of cervical cancer: Women with a family history of cervical cancer or genetic predisposition are more susceptible to this disease. Women with a family history of cervical cancer should go for check-ups at an earlier age and more frequently.

When should I have a cervical cancer check-up?

1. First Screening: Start at 21 years of age: It is recommended that women have their first Pap smear (PAP test) when they turn 21. If the test is negative, it is sufficient to repeat it every 3 years. However, since this age may coincide with the start of sexual activity, early screening is important.

2. Age 30 and After: After age 30, women can have both a Pap smear and an HPV test. Doing both tests together more accurately determines the risk of cervical cancer and can be repeated every 5 years.

3. Women aged 50 and over: Women aged 50 and over can be screened every 5 years if they have had regular screenings for the last 10 years and the test results are normal. However, women who have an active sex life and are at risk should continue to have regular check-ups.

4. Women who test positive for HPV: Women who test positive for HPV should have more frequent check-ups as recommended by their doctor. HPV infections can develop into cervical cancer, so more frequent screening and close monitoring are important.

5. Earlier Screening for Women at Risk: Women at risk for cervical cancer (for example, women with weakened immune systems, HIV-positive women, smokers) should be screened earlier and more frequently. It is important for women at risk to talk to their doctor in detail about how often they should be tested.

Cervical Cancer Screening Methods:

1. Pap Smear Test (PAP Test): This test, which examines cells from the cervix, is used to detect cancer cells or precancerous cell changes. Regular Pap smear tests can catch cervical cancer at an early stage.

2. HPV Test: The HPV test detects the presence of the HPV virus in the cells of the cervix. HPV positivity is a factor that increases the risk of cancer, so HPV testing can be done in combination with a pap smear test.

Cervical cancer is a treatable disease with early diagnosis. Therefore, it is of great importance for women aged 25 and over to have regular Pap smears and HPV tests. In addition, women with risk factors should be screened more frequently and at an earlier age in line with their doctor’s recommendations. Thanks to early diagnosis, cervical cancer has a much better chance of being cured.