Doctors’ group issues Pap-smear changes
Friday, November 20, 2009
WASHINGTON — New guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say most women in their 20s can have a Pap smear every two years instead of annually to catch slow-growing cervical cancer.
ACOG began reviewing its recommendations in late 2007 and published the update today in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
The guidelines also say:
• Routine Paps should start at age 21. Previously, ACOG had urged a first Pap either within three years of first sexual intercourse or at age 21.
• Women 30 and older should wait three years between Paps once they’ve had three consecutive clear tests. Other national guidelines have long recommended the three-year interval; ACOG had previously backed a two- to three-year wait.
• Women with HIV, other immune-weakening conditions or previous cervical abnormalities may need more frequent screening.
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