Cervical Cancer Screening Costs in Lao Cai — 2026 Price Guide
Cervical cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in Vietnamese women, with approximately 4,000 new cases each year. However, this is a cancer that can be prevented and cured if detected early through regular screening.
With over 30 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, BSCKI. Trần Thị Thúy Lâm — formerly at Hanoi Medical University Hospital and Medlatec Hospital — shares detailed cervical cancer screening costs in Lao Cai in 2026, helping women proactively protect their health.
Why Is Cervical Cancer Screening Necessary?
Early-stage cervical cancer has absolutely no symptoms. By the time symptoms appear (abnormal bleeding, pain during intercourse), the disease has usually progressed. Therefore, regular screening is the only way to detect it early.
Important facts:
- Detected at early stage (CIN): cure rate nearly 100%
- Detected at stage I: 5-year survival rate over 90%
- Detected at stage III-IV: 5-year survival rate only 15–30%
Screening costs just 150,000–1,000,000 VND — far less than cancer treatment costs (hundreds of millions of VND).
Detailed Cervical Cancer Screening Price List
Screening Tests
| Test | Reference Price | Sensitivity | When to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pap smear (conventional) | 150,000–300,000 VND | 60–80% | From age 21, every 3 years |
| Pap Thinprep (liquid-based) | 250,000–400,000 VND | 75–90% | More accurate than conventional Pap |
| HPV test (14 high-risk types) | 400,000–800,000 VND | 90–95% | From age 30, every 5 years |
| HPV genotyping (specific types) | 600,000–1,200,000 VND | >95% | When HPV is positive, to identify specific types |
| Pap + HPV combination (co-testing) | 500,000–1,000,000 VND | >95% | Most comprehensive screening method |
Diagnostic Tests (When Screening Is Abnormal)
| Test | Reference Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Colposcopy | 300,000–500,000 VND | Direct observation of cervix under magnification |
| Cervical biopsy | 500,000–1,000,000 VND | Tissue sample for pathological examination |
| Endocervical curettage (ECC) | 500,000–1,000,000 VND | Evaluates lesions within the cervical canal |
| Pathological examination | 300,000–600,000 VND | Microscopic analysis of tissue samples |
Prices are for reference and may vary by time period and healthcare facility.
Screening Packages — Estimated Costs
Basic package (women ages 21–29)
- Clinical gynecological exam: 100,000–200,000 VND
- Pap smear: 150,000–300,000 VND
- Total: 250,000–500,000 VND
- Frequency: every 3 years
Standard package (women from age 30)
- Clinical gynecological exam: 100,000–200,000 VND
- Pap smear + HPV combination: 500,000–1,000,000 VND
- Total: 600,000–1,200,000 VND
- Frequency: every 5 years (if results are normal)
Advanced package (with risk factors)
- Clinical gynecological exam: 100,000–200,000 VND
- Pap Thinprep + HPV genotyping: 850,000–1,600,000 VND
- Transvaginal ultrasound: 200,000–350,000 VND
- Total: 1,150,000–2,150,000 VND
Recommended Screening Schedule by Age
| Age Group | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Under 21 | Not yet needed | — |
| 21–29 years | Pap smear alone | Every 3 years |
| 30–65 years | Pap + HPV combination | Every 5 years |
| 30–65 years (alternative) | Pap alone | Every 3 years |
| Over 65 | Stop if 3 consecutive normal results | — |
Screen more frequently if you have:
- History of abnormal Pap/HPV results
- Immunodeficiency (HIV, immunosuppressive medications)
- Mother used DES during pregnancy
- History of cervical cancer
Comparison of Screening Methods
| Criteria | Pap smear | HPV test | Pap + HPV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 60–80% | 90–95% | >95% |
| Specificity | High | Moderate | High |
| What it detects | Abnormal cells | HPV virus | Both |
| Cost | Low | Medium | Highest |
| Frequency | 3 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Advantage | Affordable, widely available | High sensitivity, fewer missed cases | Most comprehensive |
| Disadvantage | Misses 20–40% of cases | Higher false positives in young women | Higher cost |
Doctor’s recommendation: From age 30, opt for combined Pap + HPV — the method with the highest negative predictive value. If both are normal, the risk of cervical cancer in the next 5 years is virtually zero.
Screening Process at Dr. Lam OB/GYN Clinic
Step 1: Clinical examination
- Review medical history, menstrual history, sexual history
- Gynecological exam with speculum
- Visual inspection of the cervix
Step 2: Sample collection
- Cervical cells collected with a specialized brush (painless, 1–2 minutes)
- Samples sent to Medlatec Hospital for analysis — accurate, fast results
Step 3: Results
- Pap smear: 3–5 days
- HPV: 3–5 days
- Doctor reads results, provides detailed explanation and next-step recommendations
Step 4: Management of abnormal results (if any)
- Abnormal Pap → Colposcopy
- Suspicious colposcopy → Biopsy
- Biopsy confirms CIN → Treatment (laser ablation, LEEP)
Cervical Cancer Prevention
In addition to regular screening, women can prevent cervical cancer through:
1. HPV vaccination
HPV vaccine is the most effective prevention method, reducing cervical cancer risk by up to 90%.
2. Safe sexual practices
Using condoms reduces the risk of HPV transmission.
3. No smoking
Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer.
4. Boost immunity
Good nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep help the immune system clear HPV more effectively.
Cost Comparison: Public Hospital vs Private Clinic
| Service | Public Hospital | Dr. Lam Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Pap smear | 80,000–150,000 VND | 150,000–300,000 VND |
| HPV test | 300,000–500,000 VND | 400,000–800,000 VND |
| Colposcopy | 200,000–350,000 VND | 300,000–500,000 VND |
| Wait time | 1–3 hours | 15–30 minutes |
| Results | 5–7 days | 3–5 days (partnership with Medlatec Hospital) |
| Counseling | Brief | Detailed, thorough |
Advice from the Specialist
“Cervical cancer screening is a life-saving test — literally. For just 500,000–1,000,000 VND every 5 years, women can detect and completely cure early-stage disease. Don’t wait for symptoms before getting checked — by then it may be too late.”
— BSCKI. Trần Thị Thúy Lâm, 30+ years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology
Book a Cervical Cancer Screening in Lao Cai
Call 0986 321 000 now to book a screening and get specific cost information.
Dr. Lam OB/GYN Clinic — 125 Ham Nghi, Kim Tan, Lao Cai | Phone: 0986 321 000 | Open: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, 7 days/week.
