Looks at cervical cells
A Pap test examines cervical cells for abnormal changes. It is the usual screening test from 25 to 29, repeated every 3 years after a normal result.
Cervical cancer screening · Singapore
Cervical cancer screening: Pap smear and HPV test.
A short, private test that looks for high-risk HPV or abnormal cells before cancer develops. If you are aged 25 to 69 and have ever had sex, your age decides which test you need.
What is cervical cancer screening?
A small sample can reveal important changes early.
Cervical cancer screening is a short test that looks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) or abnormal cervical cells before cancer develops. A clinician collects a small sample from the cervix during a speculum examination, and a laboratory checks it. In Singapore, a Pap test is the usual screening test from age 25 to 29, and an HPV test from 30 to 69.
Screening is for people without symptoms. Bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause, unusual discharge or pelvic pain needs a diagnostic consultation rather than waiting for a routine screen.
- 25–29 — a Pap test is the usual screening test
- 30–69 — HPV testing is the usual screening test
- 3 or 5 years — the typical interval, depending on the test
- Preventive — screening can identify changes before cancer develops
How screening works
A Pap test looks at cells. An HPV test looks for the virus.
During a speculum examination, a clinician gently collects a sample from the cervix. A Pap test examines cervical cells for abnormal changes, and an HPV test checks for the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. The result decides whether you return to routine screening, repeat a test or need further assessment.
Looks for high-risk HPV
An HPV test checks for the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. It is the usual screening test from 30 to 69, repeated every 5 years after a normal result.
A next step, not a diagnosis
A normal result usually returns you to routine screening. High-risk HPV or abnormal cells do not necessarily mean cancer, but follow-up is important and may include repeat testing, colposcopy or biopsy.
Who it's for
Who should have cervical screening?
Routine screening is generally recommended for women aged 25 to 69 who have ever had sexual intercourse, even if they feel well. The schedule may differ after an abnormal result, cervical treatment, immunosuppression, pregnancy, hysterectomy or a history of cervical cancer.
Symptoms need a doctor's review, not a routine screen.
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Due for a routine screen
Aged 25 to 69, have ever had sex and have no symptoms? Your age decides which test is due.
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After an abnormal result
Follow-up timing and tests follow your clinician's recommendation, which may differ from the routine schedule.
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Bleeding or unusual discharge
Bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause needs a diagnostic review rather than a routine screen.
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Vaccinated against HPV
HPV vaccination lowers risk but does not replace screening.
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Screening with other checks
The Breast & Women's Health package, for women 40 and above, includes an HPV test, breast imaging and a pelvic ultrasound.
Your screening, step by step
Private, brief and explained step by step.
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Consult
We review your eligibility, symptoms and previous results, and which test is right for you.
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Examine
A speculum is placed gently so the cervix can be seen. Tell us if you are uncomfortable, and we can adjust or pause.
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Collect
A small brush collects the cervical sample for the laboratory. Light spotting or mild cramping can follow briefly.
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Follow up
You are told your result and your next screening or assessment step.
From our doctors
Pap smear or HPV test?
Dr Wenus Ho explains how the two tests differ, and which one Singapore guidance recommends at your age.
Safety & expectations
A screening result is a next step, not a diagnosis by itself.
Tell us if you are pregnant, menstruating, have unusual bleeding or discharge, have recently used vaginal medicines or have had previous abnormal results, and bring earlier reports.
Cervical Cancer Screening: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Pap test and an HPV test?
A Pap test looks for abnormal cervical cells, while an HPV test checks for the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. In Singapore, the recommended test generally depends on your age: a Pap test from 25 to 29 and an HPV test from 30 to 69. Both are done on a small sample collected from the cervix during a short examination.
How often should I have cervical screening?
After a normal result, general Singapore guidance is a Pap test every three years from age 25 to 29, and an HPV test every five years from 30 to 69. Your history can change the interval, for example after an abnormal result, cervical treatment or immunosuppression, so your doctor confirms when your next screen is due.
When in my cycle should I book a Pap smear?
Book your Pap smear or HPV test for a day when you are not bleeding, ideally about a week after your period ends, around day 10 to 14 of your cycle, because blood can make the result inaccurate. Avoid sex, tampons, lubricants and spermicides for 48 hours beforehand. If you use a vaginal medicine, tell the clinic when booking and follow your doctor's advice. Unexpected bleeding needs a medical review rather than routine screening.
Does a Pap smear hurt?
You may feel pressure or brief discomfort during a Pap smear, mainly while the speculum is in place and the sample is taken. Tell the clinician if you are uncomfortable, anxious or have found past examinations difficult, so the examination can be adjusted or paused. Light spotting or mild cramping can occur briefly afterwards.
What does an HPV-positive result mean?
An HPV-positive result means a high-risk HPV type was detected; it does not mean you have cervical cancer. The next step depends on the exact result and may involve repeat testing, cell analysis or colposcopy. Follow-up matters, and you will be told which step your result needs.
Should I wait for screening if I have unusual bleeding?
No. Bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause, unusual discharge or persistent pelvic pain needs a diagnostic consultation rather than routine screening alone. Book a consultation so a doctor can assess your symptoms.
Should I get the HPV vaccine as well as cervical screening?
HPV vaccination and cervical screening work together rather than replacing each other. The vaccine helps protect against the HPV types behind most cervical cancers and is nationally recommended for females aged 9 to 26, while screening finds changes caused by any HPV type, so vaccinated women still need screening. If you are unvaccinated, ask your doctor whether the vaccine suits you; our HPV vaccination page explains the ages and dose schedule.
How much does cervical screening cost?
The fee depends on the test you need and whether it is done on its own or within a health screening package, so we confirm it before your test. Eligible residents can also have a subsidised Pap or HPV test at Fusion Medical under Healthier SG Screening, previously Screen for Life; our Screen for Life page explains who is eligible.
Appointments
Book your Pap or HPV test.
Choose a day when you are not bleeding, ideally about a week after your period ends. We confirm which test is due, and the fee, when you book.