Question: Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
How often should I get a Pap smear?
Answer: Current general cervical cancer screening guidelines set forth by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommend:
First Screening: Women should have a Pap test at least once every 3 years, beginning about 3 years after they begin to have sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21. Experts recommend waiting about 3 years after the start of sexual activity to avoid overtreatment for common, temporary abnormal changes. It is safe to wait 3 years, because cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Cervical cancer is extremely rare in women under age 25.
Ages 19-29: Pap smear every three years unless ordered more freequently by your physician.
Age 30: Women 30 and over should continue to be tested every 2-3 years unless ordered more frequently by a phsician. At 30, women have the option to be tested for HPV, a common virus that causes cervical cancer, to be done with a routine Pap smear.
Ages 65 to 70: Women who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may decide, after talking with their clinician, to stop having Pap smears performed. If a woman has not had a Pap in several years, a screening must be done. If she is at high risk for cervical cancer, frequent screenings may be necessary.
Source: National Cancer Institiute
