Is it odd that doctor stopped giving me pap smears at 65? Dr. Mallika Marshall answers your questions

BOSTON - Dr. Mallika Marshall is answering your latest health questions. If you have a question, email her or message her on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter).

Denise writes, "My doctor stopped giving me pap smears when I turned 65. My female friends think that's odd. What are your thoughts?" 

In general, if you're 65 or older and have had normal cervical cancer screenings such as a Pap test and/or HPV test over the past 10 years (including at least one within the past five years), it is unlikely that you will develop a new cervical cancer and you may no longer need screening.  

If, however, you have a history of abnormal Pap or HPV tests, a history of cervical cancer, or a weakened immune system, you may need to continue screening.  

Talk to your doctor about your concerns and whether you have any risk factors for cervical cancer after age 65.

In:
• Health
• Women's Health

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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