January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Dr. Phillip Bruner at Washington County Hospital and Clinics shares when going to your doctor, be honest about any risky behavior, medical history and concerns. He adds what women should have an annual exam with Pap tests beginning at age 21.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a Pap test looks for precancers, or cells changing on the cervix that could become cancer is not treated appropriately. Bruner explained the frequency of a Pap test depends on if a woman has any irregular results. Beginning at age 21, with regular results, he recommends a Pap smear every three years until age 30, and at age 30 you can opt for one every five years if you have an HPV, or human papillomavirus, test done in conjunction.