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New Pap screening guidelines from ACOG
You may not need them as often, but you still definitely need them. That’s the bottom line on the new Pap screening guidelines issued recently from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
In general, the guidelines have increased the age women in the U.S. should have their first cervical cancer screening and lengthened the recommended time between screenings. However, the best advice probably still comes from your regular medical provider who knows you best, so make sure to check with your doctor or midwife about how frequently you need a Pap screening.
The new guidelines raise the age that women are suggested to have their first cervical cancer screening to 21, or within three years of the first time having sex — which ever happens first. They also suggest cervical screenings once every two years versus annually for most women younger than 30.
Most women age 30 and older should have a Pap test every two years, or every three years if:
- She does not have a history of moderate or severe dysplasia
- She is not infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Her immune system is not weakened (for example, if she has had an organ transplant)
- She was not exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
The changed guidelines were a result of evidence that shows screening at less frequent intervals to be equally effective in preventing cervical cancer plus avoids unnecessary interventions.
The Pap test is one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests available. It also can find other conditions that might need treatment, such as infection or inflammation. It is important to continue getting a Pap test regularly — even if you think you are too old to have a child or are not having sex. If you are older than 65 and have had normal Pap test results for several years, or if you have had your cervix removed (during a hysterectomy), your doctor may even tell you it is okay to cease regular Pap tests.
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