HPV test and Pap test (cervical cancer screening)

Preparing for an HPV test

You may hear both ‘HPV test’ and ’Pap test/smear’ mentioned during cervical cancer screening. A Pap test or Pap smear looks for abnormal or early cell changes on the cervix that could develop into cancer over time. An HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), that can cause cervical cell changes, and is commonly used as part of cervical cancer screening.

Depending on age and screening guidelines, your healthcare provider may recommend a Pap test, an HPV test, or both at the same visit. From a patient perspective, the experience is similar, as samples are typically collected during the same brief exam.

HPV testing helps identify high-risk HPV infections that can cause cervical cell changes leading to cancer. When diagnosed at an early stage, before it has spread beyond the cervix, the 5-year relative survival rate is approximately 91%.

What happens during an HPV test?

An HPV test takes place during a pelvic exam in a clinical setting. You’ll lie on an exam table while the provider uses a small instrument called a speculum to look inside the vagina to examine the cervix and gently collect a sample of cells. Some people may experience pressure or mild discomfort while this takes place. Although the examination itself is brief, it’s normal to feel a little nervous before it takes place.

How to prepare for an HPV test

Preparing ahead of time can help ensure the sample collected is suitable for testing. When possible:

• Schedule the exam when you are not menstruating, as bleeding may affect sample quality and increase discomfort during the exam
• For 48 hours before the test, avoid vaginal intercourse, douching (rinsing inside the vagina), and vaginal products such as creams or lubricants, unless instructed otherwise
• Do not use tampons or menstrual cups on the day of the exam
• Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to undress from the waist down
• Bring prior Pap or HPV test results if relevant

After the HPV test

Results are typically available within three weeks. If multiple tests were performed, results may be reported separately. In some cases, follow‑up testing or repeat screening may be recommended based on the findings and routine guidelines.

If your results are normal, your healthcare provider may tell you that you can wait several years before your next cervical cancer screening test, but you should still go to the doctor regularly for routine checkups.

Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer or colon cancer screening)

Preparing for a colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure that’s used to screen for colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum. It is performed in a medical setting and requires advance preparation.

Stool-based tests are another option for colorectal cancer screening and are typically done at home. If this type of test is right for you, your provider will explain how and when to complete it and what to do next.

When diagnosed at an early stage, before it has spread outside of the colon or rectum, the 5-year relative survival rate is approximately 90%-91%. Colonoscopy can identify colorectal cancer early, and may detect growths (polyps) that can be removed before they develop into cancer.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

The procedure itself usually takes 30–60 minutes. A form of sedation (medication used to reduce discomfort) is typically used to help you stay comfortable, and many people do not feel or remember the procedure afterwards.

A thin, flexible tube with a small camera is inserted into the rectum while air is pumped in to help open up the bowel. The tube is passed through the length of the large bowel. If growths (polyps) are found, they may be removed. Tissue samples may also be collected for further analysis. You’ll rest briefly at the medical facility while the sedation wears off before going home.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy

Colonoscopy preparation is one of the most important parts of the process and helps ensure the screening is accurate. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions, which may include:

• Following dietary instructions provided by your healthcare provider, which may include a low-fiber diet before the procedure.
• Drinking the prescribed bowel prep solution as directed by your healthcare provider, to help ensure the colon is adequately cleansed for the procedure
• Discussing with your healthcare provider whether any medications (such as blood thinners, GLP‑1s, or diabetes medications) may need to be adjusted.
• Not eating solid foods for a designated amount of time before the procedure (usually starting 24 hours beforehand), avoiding anything red or purple during this window, and stopping liquids at the instructed time
• Arranging a ride home, as sedation may affect your ability to drive or remember information discussed immediately afterwards

After the colonoscopy

You may hear some early results on the day of the procedure, but lab results can take a few days or sometimes longer. Your provider may recommend follow-up steps or share timing for future screenings based on the results. If you feel unwell after returning home, such as severe stomach pain, heavy bleeding, or a fever, contact your healthcare provider.

Low‑dose CT scan (lung cancer screening)

Preparing for a low-dose CT scan

A low‑dose CT scan is used as part of lung cancer screening and is performed in a medical imaging setting. It may be recommended for certain adults at higher risk, such as those with a significant smoking history. If screening is recommended for you, your provider may also talk with you about how often to repeat it.

Low‑dose CT scans can detect lung cancer at an earlier stage in people at higher risk, when treatment options may be more effective.

What happens during the low-dose CT scan?

During the scan, you’ll lie on a table that moves through a CT machine while images are taken. Nothing enters the body, and the machine itself is typically open rather than enclosed, and usually takes only a few minutes. A technologist (licensed healthcare professional who operates specialized medical imaging equipment) will communicate with you through an intercom and give you instructions on when to stay still. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly to expand your lungs, so the pictures look clearer.

How to prepare for a low-dose CT scan

In most cases, little to no special preparation is required. Your provider may recommend:

• Wearing comfortable, metal-free clothing without metal fasteners, zippers, or underwire
• Removing jewelry, piercings, or metal accessories before the scan
• Continuing to eat, drink, and take medications as usual unless instructed otherwise
• Bringing prior imaging results if applicable

After the low-dose CT scan

After the scan, there is typically no recovery time, and you can usually resume your daily routine right away. Results are typically available within a few days to a couple of weeks. You may want to discuss with your healthcare provider on when to return for follow‑up or repeat screening, based on your individual risk and screening plan. In some cases, follow-up imaging may be recommended as part of routine screening or monitoring.

PSA test (prostate cancer screening)

Preparing for a PSA test

A PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) is a blood test commonly used as part of prostate cancer screening and is usually performed during a clinic or lab visit. It may be offered to some adults based on age, personal health history, family history, and other risk factors.

If you and your provider decide prostate cancer screening is right for you, they can also help you understand whether repeat screening may be recommended over time. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, and can help identify changes that may require additional evaluation, often before symptoms arise.

In some cases, at-home PSA testing options may be available. Your healthcare provider can help you understand whether this option is appropriate and how to use it correctly.

Prostate cancer is one of the more common cancers in men, affecting about 1 in 8 in the US. Screening can be used to look for possible signs of prostate cancer that require further evaluation. When diagnosed at an early stage, before it has spread beyond the prostate, the 5-year relative survival rate is approximately over 99%.

What happens during a PSA test

A PSA test is similar to a routine blood test – a small sample of blood is drawn and sent to a lab for analysis. The test itself is brief and typically completed during a standard appointment. If you are worried about needles, tell your healthcare provider so they can help you feel more comfortable.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend other evaluations, such as a urine test or a brief rectal exam, as part of the overall evaluation. These additional steps are not always needed and depend on your individual situation.

How to prepare for a PSA test

To reduce the chance that temporary factors affect the results, you may be advised by your provider for the 24 to 48 hours before your test to avoid:

• Engaging in sexual activity, including masturbation (releasing semen may increase your PSA levels temporarily)
• Any strenuous exercise, like bicycling, that can temporarily raise PSA levels

Certain medicines may affect PSA test results, so tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you take, but don't stop taking them unless your provider tells you to.

You can eat and drink as usual before having a PSA test, unless you are told otherwise.

After the PSA test

Results are often available within a week after your blood was drawn. Ask when you should come back for your next screening, since many cancer screenings work best when repeated on the schedule your provider recommends. Depending on your results, your provider may recommend another test, follow-up care, or your next screening at a later date.