All women are encouraged to have their first Pap test within three years of becoming sexually active or at age 21, whichever comes first.

Women should have a Pap test every year for three years and if all three test results are negative (normal or clear), they can have Pap tests every two years after that.

Women beyond their child-bearing years are also reminded to have a regular Pap test.

In Nova Scotia, it's recommended all women have regular Pap tests up to age 75. Once at age 75, women can stop having Pap tests if they have an adequate negative screening history.