ACOG revises Pap smear recommendations
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) today announced new guidelines on Pap smears and cervical cancer screenings. The organization says that women can wait until they’re age 21 to have their first Pap tests. ACOG also says that women between the ages of 21 and 30 should have a Pap test and cervical cancer screening once every two years instead of once every year. Women aged 30 and older who’ve had no previous complications in their last three screenings can have a Pap test once every three years.
The organization revised its recommendations based on the latest research about Pap tests and cervical cancer rates, showing that most cervical cancer cases come from women who don’t regularly see health care providers. ACOG also says that data shows testing at two and three year intervals can be just as effective at preventing cervical cancer.
While these recommendations represent a shift in women’s health care, talk to your health provider about what is best for you.
Tags: ACOG, cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening, Pap smear, Pap test, preconception health, wellness exam, women's health
November 20th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I find this odd since a pap is one of the first ways HPV is diagnosed. They (doctors & big pharma) are pushing the vaccine so much, are they that confident in it’s efficacy?
Also with the rise of STDs in teens, how can they recommend a woman wait until the age of 21 to have a pap.
November 21st, 2009 at 5:18 pm
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November 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
Thanks for your comment, Cara. The new recommendations are based on years of collective research (also known as evidenced-based medicine). While the recommendations do represent a change in women’s health, it can be confusing. Each woman should talk to her health provider to decide what’s best for her.
April 28th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
I have a friend who got cervical cancer because of HPV. right now she is under going chemotherapy and some anti-cancer drugs. . |
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:45 am
Thanks for stopping by NMN, Maryam. Our thoughts are with you and your friend and we hope for a healthy, speedy recovery!