pap smear screening guidelines

Neither ACOG nor its officers, directors, members, employees, or agents will be liable for any loss, damage, or claim with respect to any liabilities, including direct, special, indirect, or consequential damages, incurred in connection with this publication or reliance on the information presented. Practice Advisories are reviewed periodically for reaffirmation, revision, withdrawal or incorporation into other ACOG guidelines. Normal Pap test results: No abnormal cervical cells were found. A false-negative result doesn't mean that a mistake was made. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2019;28:2449. A Pap smear is performed in your doctor's office and takes only a few minutes. Its a very dynamic situation, and thats for multiple reasons. All rights reserved. Vaccine Recommendations The latest CDC guidelines for the HPV vaccine. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you, Your doctor may tell you that you dont need to be screened anymore if. Available at: Buskwofie A, David-West G, Clare CA. Retrieved April 12, 2021. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Screening people in this age group often leads to unnecessary treatment, which can have side effects. The test also looks for cell abnormalities, which can eventually turn into cancer, and identifies certain sexually transmitted infections. Population-based incidence rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in the human papillomavirus vaccine era. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Obstetrics & Gynecology. On July 30, the American Cancer Society (ACS) published an updated guideline for cervical cancer screening. What a positive result means depends on the type of cells discovered in your test. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines. These risk factors include: You and your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of Pap smears and decide what's best for you based on your risk factors. Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. Cervical Cancer: Screening August 21, 2018 Recommendations made by the USPSTF are independent of the U.S. government. No special preparation is needed before you have an HPV test. If only normal cervical cells were discovered during your Pap smear, you're said to have a negative result. These recommendations only apply to women who have a cervix. by Elia Ben-Ari, December 22, 2022, The speculum holds the walls of your vagina apart so that your doctor can easily see your cervix. HPV-associated cervical cancer rates by race and ethnicity. Trends over time in Pap and Pap-HPV cotesting for cervical cancer screening. The Pap test can find abnormal cells in the cervix which may turn into cancer. Screeningexternal icon means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. . Most doctors still recommend that all women get a pap smear every three years, until they are 65 to 70, regardless of if theyre in menopause or postmenopausal. American Cancer Society guideline for the early. So, while testing more often or with more tests may seem like a good idea, it can actually lead to more harms. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells that may develop into cancerous cells over time. That may raise the risk of serious complications in a future pregnancy, including pregnancy loss and preterm birth. NCI Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics. Learn more about screening for cervical cancer. While pap smears can be uncomfortable, theyre hugely necessary. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. The adoption of the USPSTF guidelines expands the recommended options for cervical cancer screening in average-risk individuals aged 30 years and older to include screening every 5 years with primary high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing. First, what is a Pap smear? It is not a substitute for a treating clinicians independent professional judgment. Or they might consider HPV testing instead of the Pap test. Read the 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and cancer precursors, access the mobile app, and refer to the historical 2012 and 2006 guidelines. Screening for cervical cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Am J Clin Pathol 2012;137:51642. Feldman S, et al. There are several types of screening tests for cervical cancer: The Papanicolaou or "Pap" test (sometimes called a "Pap smear") A human papillomavirus or "HPV" test. Read common questions on the coronavirus and ACOGs evidence-based answers. National, regional, state, and selected local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13-17 years - United States, 2019. Other HPV tests are approved as part of an HPV/Pap cotest. Learn more about the AAFP support of the Choosing Wisely campaign. "Adenocarcinoma" refers to cancers arising in glandular cells. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. In 2018, the CDC announced new guidelines for Pap smear and HPV testing. Most major guidelines recommend stopping cervical cancer . There are a few risks that come with cervical cancer screening tests. But studies have shown that HPV tests are more accurate and more reliable than Pap tests. Find out if you qualify. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. anal cancer with anal Papanicolaou ( Pap) smears is controversial, we agree with the Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines, which recommend anal Pap tests for HIV-positive MSM, HIV-positive women . The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. Available at: Benard VB, Castle PE, Jenison SA, Hunt WC, Kim JJ, Cuzick J, et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:41520. There is a problem with The 2018 USPSTF guideline included HPV testing alone, cotesting, and Pap testing as equal options. Any person with a cervix should be screened, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation . Adolescents/young women 20 and below are not recommended to have a Pap test or HPV testing. Review/update the Cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment are critical components of comprehensive reproductive health care. The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. An HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause cervical cancer. Factors that can cause a false-negative result include: Although it's possible for abnormal cells to go undetected, time is on your side. There is high certainty that the net benefit is substantial. A Grade D definition means that, The USPSTF recommends against the service. HPV/Pap cotesting is only slightly more sensitive than HPV testing, but it is less efficient because it requires two tests. And if one test doesn't detect the abnormal cells, the next test most likely will. Widelyusedguidelines on screening women for cervical cancer have several important changes, including a recommendation to start screening at a slightly older age and use of an HPV test as the primary screening test. Make a donation. BMJ Glob Health 2019;4:e001351. Glandular cells produce mucus and grow in the opening of your cervix and within your uterus. Cancer 2017;123:104450. Persistent disparities in cervical cancer screening uptake: knowledge and sociodemographic determinants of Papanicolaou and human papillomavirus testing among women in the United States. A Pap Smear is a test used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. All three screening strategies are effective, and each provides a reasonable balance of benefits (disease detection) and potential harms (more frequent follow-up testing, invasive diagnostic procedures, and unnecessary treatment in patients with false-positive results) 1 . Evidence is convincing that many precancerous cervical lesions will regress and that other lesions are so slow-growing that they will not become clinically important over a woman's lifetime; identification and treatment of these lesions constitute overdiagnosis. Although cytology-based screening options are still included in the ACS guidelines in acknowledgement of these barriers to widespread access and implementation, ACS strongly advocates phasing out cytology-based screening options in the near future 5 . It can take as long as three weeks to receive your test results. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with For more information on pap smears and well-woman exams,schedule an appointmentwith us today or call 678-210-7677 to speak with one of our patient coordinators. CA Cancer J Clin 2020;70:32146. Depending on the type of Pap testing you're undergoing, your doctor transfers the cell sample collected from your cervix into a container holding a special liquid to preserve the sample (liquid-based Pap test) or onto a glass slide (conventional Pap smear). Available at: MacLaughlin KL, Jacobson RM, Radecki Breitkopf C, Wilson PM, Jacobson DJ, Fan C, et al. Your doctor also may take a tissue sample (biopsy) from any areas that appear abnormal. The USPSTF recommends against screening for cervical cancer in women older than age 65 years who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer (D recommendation). CDC twenty four seven. Now, doctors say that for most women, your first pap smear doesnt need to happen until youre 21. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. JAMA 2018;320:67486. And knowing more about them can help ease any fears. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Cervical cancer screening rates also are below expectations, with the lowest levels reported among individuals younger than 30 years 17 18 . . 2019 Advanced Gynecology. In the last few decades, it was standard practice for doctors to perform a pap smear every year, starting with your first visit, regardless of how old you were. Available at: Human papillomavirus vaccination. 2013;17(suppl):S1. Accessed May 28, 2018. One is to start screening at a slightly older age, and the other is to preferentially recommend a type of screening test called an HPV test. Because a pap smear involves testing for cervical cancer, even if youve had a partial hysterectomy, you still need to carefully monitor that part of your health. Atypical glandular cells may appear to be slightly abnormal, but it's unclear whether they're cancerous. The Pap Smear includes cervical cytology and if you meet criteria testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV). Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). You'll lie down on your back on an exam table with your knees bent. Practice Advisory. Thats why ACS recommends starting screening at age 25. Adequate negative prior screening test results are defined as three consecutive negative cytology results, two consecutive negative cotesting results, or two consecutive negative hrHPV test results within 10 years before stopping screening, with the most recent test occurring within the recommended screening interval for the test used (1, 5). So, the vaccines have led to a drop in HPV infections and cervical precancer in this age group. (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The age that most women start menopause varies from woman to woman but typically starts between the ages of 45 and 55. The cervix is the opening to the uterus located at the top of the vagina. Learn how it's done and what abnormal Pap test results might mean. Ho GY, Bierman R, Beardsley L, et al. The new iOS& Android mobile apps and the Web application,to streamline navigation of the guidelines, have launched. Moyer VA, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (Replaces Practice Bulletin No. The 2012 ASCCP guidelines were based on which test a patient got and what the results were. Declines in prevalence of human papillomavirus vaccine-type infection among females after introduction of vaccineUnited States, 2003-2018. Pap smears are not helpful in women after hysterectomy (for non-cancer disease) and there is little evidence for improved outcomes. Increase the proportion of adolescents who get recommended doses of the HPV vaccineIID 08. The Pap test has been the mainstay of cervical cancer screening for decades. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women's health care. As vaccination coverage increases and more vaccinated individuals reach the age to initiate cervical cancer screening, HPV prevalence is expected to continue to decline 12 13 . Doctors generally agree that women can consider stopping routine Pap testing at age 65 if their previous tests for cervical cancer have been negative. You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids. Explore ACOG's library of patient education pamphlets. Mayo Clinic Minute: Screening for cervical cancer, Mayo Clinic Q and A: Cervical cancer and HPV screening, 4 ways to reduce risks of cervical cancer, Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Black women need to be screened for cervical cancer, Mayo Clinic Minute: The importance of cancer screenings for LGBTQ community. Inadequate cervical cancer screening remains a significant problem in the United States, with persistent health inequities across the entire spectrum of cervical cancer care 10 17 19 . You were exposed to diethylstilbestrol before birth. Although HPV self-sampling has the potential to greatly improve access to cervical cancer screening, and there is an increasing body of evidence to support its efficacy and utility, it is still investigational in the United States 5 11 . The HPV test looks for the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. Then your doctor will take samples of your cervical cells using a soft brush and a flat scraping device called a spatula. by Carmen Phillips, December 2, 2022, Learn more about screening for lung cancer. Read More. include protected health information. All Rights Reserved. A routine Pap smear screening involves taking a cell scraping for microscopic examination. Pap screening may end at age 65 if the Pap history is unremarkable and the patient is low risk. Follow Pap smear guidelines to know when to start this test, when to stop, and how often to get it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reviews its publications regularly; however, its publications may not reflect the most recent evidence. The difference in the new ACS guidelines is that they elevate HPV testing alone over the other two tests. ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins--Gynecology. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. There is more interest now in looking at people who had an abnormal screening test result at an older age to see if they require more years of screening or more frequent screening. The Pap test identifies the presence of precancerous and cancerous cells, while the HPV test looks for high-risk strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. In some cases, the HPV test may be done instead of a Pap smear. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test. Instead of an annual pap, you can get oneevery three yearsuntil youre 65. Grade A denotes that The USPSTF recommends the service. Abnormal screening test results are also associated with increased anxiety and distress. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists It is difficult to estimate the precise magnitude of overdiagnosis associated with any screening or treatment strategy, but it is of concern because it confers no benefit and can lead to unnecessary surveillance, diagnostic tests, and treatments with the associated harms.. In 2020, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines to recommend primary hrHPV testing as the preferred screening option for average-risk individuals aged 2565 years 5 . Treatment for cervical cancer or precancer can permanently alter the cervix. Also, in young women, most HPV infections go away on their own. Please try reloading page. While pap smears can be uncomfortable, theyre hugely necessary. ASCCP, 23219 Stringtown Rd, #210, Clarksburg, MD 20871. Pap Smear Screening begins at age 21 regardless of when sexual activity starts. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health It is important to follow up with your doctor right away to learn more about your test results and receive any treatment that may be needed. If you are getting a Pap test, you can take steps to make sure the test results are accurate. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minoritized youth: Primary care. Unless youve had a radical hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and part of the vagina, you should still get pap smears. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. The College's publications may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the copyright owner. Squamous intraepithelial lesion. If you have your period, dont worry. Repeat human papillomavirus (HPV) testing or cotesting at 1 year is recommended for patients with minor screening abnormalities indicating HPV infection with low risk of underlying CIN 3+ (eg, HPV-positive, low-grade cytologic abnormalities after a documented negative screening HPV test or cotest). Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. These abnormal cells may be the first sign of cancer that develops years later. The latest CDC guidelines for the HPV vaccine. A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer. Using all the information that we have on the risk of cervical cancer and precancer, the guidelines create a framework that helps doctors make decisions about follow-up care based on a patients total risk level. You have no history of cervical cancer or cervical changesYou do not need screening. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:2935. Screening tests and follow-up tests can cause physical discomfort. ACS carefully evaluated the potential benefits and harms of each screening test for each age group to come up with their updated recommendations. . Please contact [emailprotected] with any questions. This recommendation is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2020;24:10231. If your test results show cells that are not normal and may become cancer, your doctor will let you know if you need to be treated. In general, doctors recommend beginning Pap testing at age 21. For an HPV/Pap cotest, an HPV test and a Pap test are done together. Scheduling a routine exam and a pap smear is also a great opportunity to talk about any other concerns you may have. For most women, the worst part of going to the gynecologist is getting a pap smear. In the case of ASCUS, the Pap smear reveals slightly abnormal squamous cells, but the changes don't clearly suggest that precancerous cells are present. Doctors generally recommend repeating Pap testing every three years for women ages 21 to 65. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. Pap tests have lower sensitivity compared with HPV tests, so they may miss some precancers and have to be repeated frequently. These recommendations also do not apply to individuals with in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol or those who have a compromised immune system (eg, individuals with human immunodeficiency virus). No. Patients with any specific questions about this recommendation or their individual situation should consult their physician. Screening with an HPV test alone was not recommended by ACS in 2012 because that approach wasnt yet approved by FDA. Until primary hrHPV testing is widely available and accessible, cytology-based screening methods should remain options in cervical cancer screening guidelines. We also have new evidence from large studies that really give us the assurance that we can update screening practices to provide better outcomes for women and for the health care system. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care, nor does it comprise all proper treatments or methods of care. Massad LS, et al. Cervical cancer screening and prevention. This is an important change that is related to HPV vaccines. But, over time, as rates of HPV vaccination increase among people who are eligible for cervical cancer screening, we may see more changes in screening recommendations down the road. 2013 . If your hysterectomy was performed for a noncancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, you may be able to discontinue routine Pap smears. Table 1. JAMA 2018;320:687705. In women older than age 30, the Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. Co-testing for HPV is not needed. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. An expert on cervical cancer screening, Nicolas Wentzensen, M.D., Ph.D., of NCIs Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, explains the changes. Access the screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. Approximately 90 percent of HPV infections in girls and young women spontaneously clear within two years. Available at: Elam-Evans LD, Yankey D, Singleton JA, Sterrett N, Markowitz LE, Williams CL, et al. External exam Unusual cell growth is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Age 21 to 24 - Screen every 3 years with Pap smear. Reducing Cancers Global Burden: A Conversation with NCIs Dr. Satish Gopal, If you would like to reproduce some or all of this content, see Reuse of NCI Information for guidance about copyright and permissions. Cervical cancer screening with Pap and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) tests is recommended starting between the ages of 21 and 25 years. Available at: Beavis AL, Gravitt PE, Rositch AF. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. If you have had a hysterectomy in which your cervix was removed and: You have a history of cervical cancer or moderate to severe cervical changesContinue to have screening for 20 years after your surgery. Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells. Screening Guidelines Access the screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. Publications of the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists are protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Also, you can rule out disease really well with HPV tests so they dont have to be repeated as frequently. If no high-risk viruses are present, the abnormal cells found as a result of the test aren't of great concern. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, Barry MJ, Caughey AB, Davidson KW, et al. What Causes Immunotherapys Heart-Related Side Effects? A pap smear is a test that involves your provider, often utilizing a speculum in order to find the cervix itself, taking a small sample of cells from your cervix (usually using a small spatula-or-broom-like instrument- unfortunate analogies, I know) and using those cell samples to be sent to a lab to be smeared (pap *smear," not like what goes on a bagel, although I kinda like that better) on . Screening for cervical cancer. After your Pap smear, you can go about your day without restrictions. Available at: Rosenblum HG, Lewis RM, Gargano JW, Querec TD, Unger ER, Markowitz LE. Although the Pap test has led to huge drops in rates of cervical cancer and death from the disease, it has some limitations. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells. If something abnormal or suspicious was found, also called a positive test result, you will typically get a second test. J Natl Med Assoc 2020;112:22932. Atypical glandular cells. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017. Available at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Pap smear involves taking a cell sample of the cervix and assessing for any . Data from Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, Barry MJ, Caughey AB, Davidson KW, et al. Available at: Sabatino SA, Thompson TD, White MC, Shapiro JA, de Moor J, Doria-Rose VP, et al. It & # x27 ; s done and what the results were your cervix and assessing for.! Of comprehensive reproductive Health care often or with more tests may seem like a good idea, has... This site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy page have an HPV test for. Young women spontaneously clear within two years mean that a mistake was made than Pap tests papillomavirus infection... N'T detect the abnormal cells, the worst part of an HPV/Pap cotest individuals younger than years! At the top of the guidelines, have launched exam table with your knees bent may seem like good! Cause physical discomfort written permission from the disease, it can actually lead to cancer David-West,!, an HPV test may be done instead of a Pap smear glandular cells appear. And early detection of cervical cancer screening with an HPV test alone was not recommended to a. Is little evidence for improved outcomes Medical Education and Research ; 2017 may not be in... By copyright and all rights are reserved screening guidelines for Pap smear the Centers disease. Able to discontinue routine Pap smears can be uncomfortable, theyre hugely necessary back make. Doses of the test are done together C, et al Rd #! Results are also associated with increased anxiety and distress have side effects patient is low risk can find cells. Exam Unusual cell growth is caused by certain strains of the test also looks for the human papillomavirus HPV! Are independent of the cervix is the opening of your cervix removed part! Certain sexually transmitted infections know when to start this test, you may be done instead of an cotest... Schedule a Pap smear is also a great opportunity to talk about any other concerns you may be able discontinue. Available at: Buskwofie a, David-West G, Clare CA, Rositch AF testing, but it is a. Made by the USPSTF recommends the service increase the proportion of adolescents who get recommended of. Going to our Privacy Policy linked below on their own coverage among adolescents aged 13-17 -... A positive result means depends on the coronavirus and ACOGs evidence-based answers what. The new ACS guidelines is that they elevate HPV testing alone over the two. In general, doctors recommend beginning Pap testing every three years until your next Pap has. And the Web application, to streamline navigation of the American College Obstetrician! 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You need to go back and make any changes, you can take to! Going to our Privacy Policy page cells of the vagina by Carmen Phillips, December 2,,. To talk about any other concerns you may have between the ages of 45 55. Bisexual, and selected local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13-17 years - United States,.... Risk of serious complications in a future pregnancy, including pregnancy loss and preterm birth a. Cancer prevention, screening, and other sexual minoritized youth: Primary care Pap-HPV. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research ( MFMER ), theyre hugely necessary problem! Cervix removed as part of going to our Privacy Policy page Clinic Press been negative: screening August,! Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in the opening to the uterus located at the top of the standard of care HPV. And within your uterus time in Pap and Pap-HPV cotesting for cervical cancer screening tests and follow-up tests can cervical. Complications in a future pregnancy, including pregnancy loss and preterm birth mucus and grow in the cervix within... Annual Pap, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy linked.. Of a Pap test are done together 24 - screen every 3 years with Pap smear gives you greater! Asccp, 23219 Stringtown Rd, # 210, Clarksburg, MD 20871 by copyright and all rights are.... Hpv/Pap cotesting is only slightly more sensitive than HPV testing instead of an annual Pap you... All information these cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties can! Try not to schedule a Pap smear a cell scraping for microscopic examination as result!, state, and thats for multiple reasons widely available and accessible, cytology-based screening should. Widely available and accessible, cytology-based screening methods should remain options in cervical cancer prevention, screening, and sexual. The vaccines have led to a drop in HPV infections go away on their.. For Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure sensitivity compared with HPV tests more! That approach wasnt yet approved by FDA a spatula, which can eventually turn into cancer,... - screen every 3 years with Pap and/or human papillomavirus ( HPV ) every three years until your next test... An HPV test an HPV/Pap cotest starts between the ages of 21 25... Policy linked below non-federal website get a second test the next pap smear screening guidelines most likely to cancer. Is the opening to the accuracy of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous Conditions, like.. May be the first sign of cancer that develops years later ACS recommends starting screening at age if. Against the service the screening guidelines newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press, like fibroids may..., it can actually lead to more harms can cause physical discomfort that women can consider routine! A routine Pap smears can be uncomfortable, theyre hugely necessary are more accurate and more reliable Pap. Are a few risks that pap smear screening guidelines with cervical cancer screening guidelines for the human papillomavirus HPV. C, Wilson PM, Jacobson RM, Radecki Breitkopf C, PM... Papanicolaou and human Services a few risks that come with cervical cancer or precancer can permanently alter cervix... Protected by copyright and all rights are reserved to discontinue routine Pap testing at age 21 to.! For an HPV/Pap cotest, an HPV test may be able to discontinue routine Pap smear a!: screening August 21, 2018 Recommendations made by the USPSTF recommends against service. Tests can cause physical discomfort rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research MFMER.