When to do
It is recommended to start cervical cancer screening at 21 years of age. Even if:
One feels perfectly healthy. This is because early changes in cervix often have no symptoms. And screening helps catch them before they become cancerous.
One is vaccinated for HPV. This is because the vaccine is preventive. It doesn't clear the already existing viruses that can be dormant and asymptomatic for a long time.
International Guidelines
We follow the latest evidence-based clinical guidelines for cervical health, including:
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India) Guidelines for India
Age Group
Recommended Test
Frequency
< 21 years
No screening needed
Even if sexually active
21–29 years
Pap smear alone
Every 3 years
30–65 years
3 options 1) Pap smear + HPV Tesy (co-testing ) -Preferred option 2) Pap smear alone 3) HPV Test alone
1) Every 5 years for co-testing 2) Every 3 years for Pap smear alone 3) Every 3 yrs for HPV Test alone
>65 years
No screening if prior results normal
Must have had adequate negative screening history
Post-hysterectomy
No Pap needed (if cervix removed & no cancer history)
-
Special cases: - Previous abnormal Pap or a positive HPV test - Cervical cancer in the past - HIV infection - A weakened immune system (Eg. chemotherapy /autoimmune disorders)
-
Frequent screenings (once every year)
Notes:
In the FOGSI Indian guidelines only difference is that the start age is at 25 years instead of 21 years.
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