Cervical Screening Guidelines
Cervical screening guidelines depend on your age and health history. Here’s what you need to know.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released new cervical cancer screening guidelines. The big news?
Yearly Pap tests may be a thing of the past for many women. How often you should get screened for cervical cancer now depends on your age and health history.
“While pap smears are recommended less frequently for many women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists still encourages a yearly visit to a gynecologist to discuss health maintenance and lifestyle issues, as well as whether a pelvic exam is needed,” says Sara Soto MD, OB/Gyn at PIH Health
Here are the new cervical screening recommendations by the ACOG:
- Under age 21: You do not need cervical cancer screenings.
- Age 21-29: Have a Pap test every 3 years.
- Age 30-65: Any one of the following: Have a Pap test alone every 3 years, FDA-approved high-risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone every 5 years, or Pap test and an HPV test (co-test) every 5 years.
- Age 65 and older: You do not need screenings if you have had 3 consecutive negative Pap tests, 2 consecutive Pap tests and an HPV test (co-test) within the last 10 years before stopping screening.
- When you may need more frequent screenings: If you have a history of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap test results, are HIV-positive, have a weakened immune system or were exposed to the drug DES before birth, talk to your doctor about how often you should be screened.
- If you have had a hysterectomy: You don’t need screenings if your surgery was for a benign condition and your cervix was removed. Continue testing if you have a history of cervical cancer or abnormal test results, or if your cervix was not removed.
- If you had the HPV vaccination: You should still follow recommended cervical screenings for your age group.
There are many factors that contribute to your health, and the better your doctor knows you, the better he or she can help you. To find a doctor, go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors
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