Should Women Continue Cervical Cancer Screening After Age 65? (India)
Many women believe cervical cancer screening automatically stops after 65. In India, this belief can be dangerous. Continuing screening after 65 may prevent late-stage cervical cancer.
Why screening after 65 is still important
- Over 20% of cervical cancers occur in women above 65
- Most affected women were never screened earlier
- Cervical cancer develops slowly over 10–20 years
Learn more about HPV: HPV Test in India
Decision chart: Stop or Continue?
| Your History | Advice |
|---|---|
| 3 normal Pap tests or 2 normal HPV tests in 10 years | ✅ Screening may stop |
| Never screened or irregular screening | 🔴 Continue screening |
| Past abnormal Pap / HPV / precancer | 🔴 Continue for 20 years |
| Weak immunity (HIV, steroids, transplant) | 🔴 Continue screening |
| No old reports available | 🔴 Continue (safer choice) |
Special considerations for Indian women
- Lifetime screening rates in India remain low
- Many women over 60 never had a Pap smear
- Government programs now support screening
Read also: Women’s Cancer Screening Guide
Which test is used after 65?
- HPV test – every 5 years (preferred)
- Pap smear – every 3 years
- Co-testing – where available
Common myths clarified
“I am no longer sexually active.”
HPV can remain dormant for decades.
“I feel healthy.”
Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms.
If past screening history is unclear, continuing cervical cancer screening after 65 is the safest option.
Advice for families and caregivers
- Encourage screening discussions
- Help locate old medical reports
- Support elderly women during hospital visits
Final takeaway
✔ Many Indian women should continue screening after 65
✔ Stopping is safe only after confirmed adequate screening
✔ Prevention has no age limit