HPV & Cancer Screening

Screening recommendations for HPV/cancers vary depending on factors such as the part of the body affected, gender, and individual risk. Below is a summary of current guidelines for HPV-related screening across the six cancers—and the one rare condition—it can cause.

Cervical Cancer Screening / HPV Testing:

Everyone with a cervix should get a Pap smear every 3 years (checks for abnormal cells on the cervix). Ages 30-65: You have a few options for regular screening:

1. Pap smear every 3 years OR

2. High-risk HPV test alone (also called “primary HPV screening”) every 5 years OR

3. Pap smear + high-risk HPV test together (called “co-testing”) every 5 years

Cervical cancer is the only HPV-related cancer with widely recommended routine screening. Other HPV-related cancers rely on symptom-based detection and routine exams.

Anal Cancer Screening / Anal Pap:

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): You should receive a DRE during regular gynecologist visits (for people with a cervix) AND/OR at your gastroenterologist.
Anal Pap Test (Anal Cytology): For “high-risk” individuals (men who have sex with men, HIV+/immunocompromised individuals) you should receive an Anal Pap every year, or as advised by your provider. Read more about anal cancer screening in the International Anal Neoplasia Society’s consensus guideline

Head & Neck (Oropharyngeal) Cancer Screening: Although there is no standard screening tests for head & neck cancer, early detection relies on dental and medical exams. If symptoms like persistent sore throat, lumps, or difficulty swallowing arise, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Penile Cancer Screening: No standard screening exists for penile cancer. If lesions appear, visual inspection and biopsy are used. HPV-related penile cancer is rare, but more common in uncircumcised individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Seeing your primary care provider for regular physicals is recommended!

Vaginal Cancer Screening: No standard screening exists for vaginal cancer. HPV tests and Pap smears may detect precancerous changes in high-risk individuals, but it’s important for people with a vagina to see a gynecologist regularly (~once a year) and see a professional if any vaginal discomfort occurs.

Vulvar Cancer Screening: No standard screening for vulvar cancer exists. Typically vulvar cancer is diagnosed through visual exams and biopsies if lesions or symptoms appear. HPV-related vulvar cancers are rare, but can develop from precancerous lesions. It’s important for people with a vagina to see a gynecologist regularly (~once a year) and see a professional if any vulvar discomfort occurs.

Download our HPV Cancer Screening Checklist HERE!