The high-risk human papillonmavirus (hrHPV) is the cause of most cervical cancer. Pap smears can detect precancerous conditions in your cervix before it develops into cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends pap smear screenings every three years for all women ages 21 – 29. For women ages 30 – 65, the USPSTF recommends screening every three years with a pap smear alone, every five years with hrHPV testing alone, or every five years with hrHPV testing in combination with a pap smear. Pap smear screenings are commonly done in the office of your primary care doctor or OB-GYNs.