Research shows that two-thirds of older women who stop screening remain at risk for cancer.
Take the Quiz: Cervical Cance
Don’t be fooled by rumors and wrong information about cervical cancer. Get the facts. Use this quiz to test your knowledge of 6 common beliefs about cervical cancer.
1.The human papilloma virus (HPV) causes cervical cancer.
True
False
2 Cervical cancer can often be prevented.
True
False
3. People with a cervix need to get a Pap test every year to check for cervical cancer.
True
False
4. HPV infection can be treated to help prevent cervical cancer.
True
False
5. Cervical cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms right away.
True
False
6. If you have had any type of hysterectomy, you can't get cervical cancer and don’t need to be tested for it.
True
False
Investments in research are crucial for continued progress
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 | ๐ด Continue screening |
| Past abnormal Pap / HPV / precancer | ๐ด Continue for 20 years |
| Weak immunity (HIV, steroids, transplant) | ๐ด Continue screening |
| No old reports available | ๐ด 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
Cervical Cancer Screening After 65 – What Women Must Know
Age 65 is NOT an automatic stop
Many Indian women were never screened earlier. Stopping tests too soon increases cancer risk.
Read screening basics →Never screened earlier?
If you never had Pap or HPV testing, screening should continue after 65.
Pap smear explained →HPV can stay silent for years
HPV infection may cause cancer 10–20 years later, even without symptoms.
HPV test in India →Past abnormal report?
Screening must continue for 20 years after the last abnormal test.
