# Pap smear: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_Pap smear: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/pap-smear

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> A pap smear checks for abnormal cells on the cervix. In Kenya it is recommended for women aged 25 to 65 where HPV testing is not available, every 3 years.

**Pap smear at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Women aged 25 to 65 where HPV testing is not available. | Every 3 years. | An abnormal result usually leads to further tests; most abnormal cells are not cancer. | Prices vary by facility and laboratory. |

## Pap smear: common questions

**Q: What does the Pap smear check for?**

A: Abnormal cells on the cervix.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Women aged 25 to 65 where HPV testing is not available.

**Q: How often?**

A: Every 3 years.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: Cells are brushed from the cervix and sent to a laboratory.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: An abnormal result usually leads to further tests; most abnormal cells are not cancer.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Prices vary by facility and laboratory.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Other screening tests

- [Breast ultrasound in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/breast-ultrasound)
- [Clinical breast exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/clinical-breast-exam)
- [Colonoscopy in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/colonoscopy)
- [Digital rectal exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/digital-rectal-exam)
- [HPV test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-test)
- [HPV vaccine in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-vaccine)
- [Mammogram in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/mammogram)
- [PSA test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/psa-test)