Cervical cancer typically takes several years to develop, and it often has no symptoms in its early stages. Once infected with HPV, it can take 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop, or 5 to 10 years if you have a weakened immune system.This means that a woman could potentially have cervical cancer for a significant amount of time before it is detected.
However, regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, can help detect cervical cancer early, before symptoms appear. These tests can identify abnormal cells in the cervix that may be indicative of cervical cancer, and prompt further testing or treatment.
It is important to note that the cervical cancer screening guidelines have been updated recently, and the screening tests may be done less frequently than before. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every three years and women between the ages of 30 and 65 can have a Pap test every five years or a combination of Pap test and HPV test every five years.
It’s important to follow the guidelines for cervical cancer screening and also to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse, and to see a doctor if any symptoms arise.