The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated its screening recommendations for cervical cancer. These guidelines fall in line with those from the major gynecologically-related professional organizations as well.
The highlights of these new recommendations are as follows:
- Women 21 to 65 years of age should be screened for cervical cancer.
- Pap smears should begin at, but not earlier than, age 21.
- Women ages 21 to 29 should be screened by Pap smear plus/minus high-risk subtype Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing every 3 years, if results remain normal. In my practice, I will routinely include HPV testing at the time of performing the Pap smear unless asked not to do so.
- Women ages 30 to 65 may choose to have a Pap smear plus HPV testing only every 5 years, if results remain normal.
- Women who have undergone hysterctomy for reasons other than high-grade cervical lesions or cervical cancer do not require routine cervical cancer screening.
NOTE: For women who routinely use their OB/GYN for well-woman screening, I strongly urge you to still complete an annual physical exam at my office. It is important to get regular check-ups for cardiovascular and other screening. For those who see their OB/GYNs essentially only for routine cervical cancer screening, feel free to simply have your pap smear included as part of your annual check-up in my office and save yourself an extra doctor's visit.
Thank you for continuing to rely on us for your primary care needs.
In Good Health,
James Criner, M.D.
www.DoctorCriner.com
770-813-9250
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