New Guidelines on Cervical Cancer Screening

The guidelines, "Early Detection of Cervical Neoplasia and Cancer,” appeared in the November/December issue of CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

The guidelines recommend that cervical cancer screening begin about three years after a woman begins having vaginal intercourse but no later than 21 years of age. Cervical screening should be performed every year with conventional Pap tests or every two years using liquid-based Pap tests. At or after age 30, women who have had three normal test results in a row may be screened every two to three years. However, a doctor may suggest having the test more often if a woman has certain risk factors such as an HIV infection or a weakened immune system. Women 70 years of age and older who have had three or more normal Pap test results and no abnormal results in the last 10 years may choose to stop cervical cancer screening.

Screening after a total hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) is not necessary unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or precancer. Some other special conditions may require continued screening. Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix should continue cervical cancer screening at least until age 70.




Related Links:
American Cancer Society