Cervical cancer screening
Summary of the 2018 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
This is an educational summary written for a portfolio project. Recommendations change; always confirm with the official source.
Who it applies to
People with a cervix aged 21 to 65 who have no symptoms, regardless of sexual history or HPV vaccination status.
Recommendation
- Ages 21 to 29: cervical cytology (Pap test) alone every 3 years (grade A).
- Ages 30 to 65: any of cytology alone every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing alone every 5 years, or co-testing with HPV and cytology every 5 years (grade A).
When not to screen
- Under 21 (grade D).
- Over 65 when prior screening has been adequate and the person is not otherwise at high risk (grade D).
- After a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix, when there is no history of a high-grade precancerous lesion or cervical cancer (grade D).
Notes
The Task Force has been working on an update that would favor HPV-based testing, including self-collected samples. Check the official page for the current status.