Do women who have had a hysterectomy still need to have regular Pap tests?

Women who have had a hysterectomy should talk with their doctor about whether to have regular Pap tests. They also should continue to have regular gynecologic exams.

In a Pap test, the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina to collect and study samples of cells taken from the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the uterus). The test is an important part of most women's regular health care because it can show the presence of infection, inflammation, abnormal cells or cancer. If cancer or problems that may lead to cancer are found early, they can be treated more easily.

If a woman's hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) was done to treat cancer or a precancerous condition, the upper part of vagina still needs to be studied regularly for abnormal changes. Women who have had the body of the uterus but not the cervix removed should continue to have regular Pap tests. If the uterus and the cervix were removed to treat a noncancerous condition such as fibroids, routine Pap tests may not be necessary.

For more information on Pap tests, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

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