Time For Your Cervical Cancer Screening?
Over the years, guidelines formulated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for cervical cancer screening have evolved, and
many women are not aware of the latest evidence-backed suggested screening schedules. The well- known Pap test is when a sample of cells from the cervix (opening into the uterus/womb) are obtained by a healthcare provider. The sample is sent to a lab, where it is examined for abnormal cells that may develop into cancer or have already developed into cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers are associated with HPV (human papilloma virus) and screening for this virus can be part of the testing done on the Pap test sample.
With the newer understanding of how cervical cancer develops, the latest recommendations no longer support having a Pap test before the age of 21, regardless of sexual activity. Women should have their first Pap test at age 21, and then yearly until they have had three consecutive negative Pap tests, at which time they can begin having them every three years. Women who have had abnormal Pap tests need to discuss with their healthcare provider what testing schedule is appropriate for them. For women older than 30, there is the recommendation of a Pap test every three years or if an additional
Talk with your provider about a cervical cancer screening schedule that is right for you test has been performed on the sample for HPV and is negative, then every five years. Once a woman has reached age 65 and has negative screenings, the recommendations are that she stop getting screened.
These recommendations are not hard and fast rules and there are exceptions, such as women who have had a history of cervical cancer, high-grade cervical precancers, DES exposure or who are immunocompromised as with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Even if you do not meet the recommendation for a Pap test, an annual physical is recommended to discuss other health issues and other preventive testing that may be appropriate.
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- Marilyn Hines, DO
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- Rayne Moya, CNP
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- Terah Maupin Sexton, PA
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- Bianca Ortega, PA