Research has shown that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus, is the primary cause of cervical cancer. According to Dr. Van Vessem, that means not all women have the same risk.

For instance, it has been known for many years that women who had never been sexually active do not develop cervical cancer. The current guidelines are that if a woman does not have a history of an abnormal Pap test, then she can wait 2-3 years to be rescreened. On the other hand, Dr. Van Vessem says, if a women has a history of an abnormal Pap test or a history of HPV, she may require more than one Pap test each year.

The screening guidelines are for low-risk asymptomatic women not high risk women.

Many women, however, do not know much about cervical cancer or the virus that causes it. Doctor Van Vessem says there are more than 100 related viruses or strains of HPV and about 30 can be passed from one person to another through close, usually sexual, contact.

Some strains of HPV are more dangerous than others, but in many cases, the virus can be eradicated by the body’s immune system. Depending on the strain, a person may or may not have any symptoms.

Some of the more common strains of HPV cause genital warts, says Dr. Van Vessem. The virus can also be spread to other areas and studies suggest that HPV may plan a role in other cancers. There is testing that can be done for the most common strains of HPV and some countries such as Germany, the recommendations are for HPV testing along with Pap testing.

So according to Dr. Van Vessem, the take home message is that each women should talk with her own physician or healthcare provider about her personal risk for cervical cancer. That would determine Pap testing intervals. It’s also important to recognize, she says, that an annual visit has many other components, so even if someone doesn’t need an annual Pap test, there is other testing that may be recommended and done during a routine visit.