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In 2012, collaborative professional guidance was issued recommending cervical cytology every 3 years — or cytology plus human papillomavirus (HPV) cotesting every 5 years — for women (age range, 30–64) with negative screening results (NEJM JW Womens Health Apr 12 2012). In four articles, various experts reconsider these cervical cancer screening intervals.
Based on the modeling that informed the development of the 2012 recommendations, commentary authors raised concerns that extending the cotesting interval from 3 to 5 years increases the number of cervical cancer diagnoses as well as deaths from the disease. The model estimates that, among U.S. women adherent to screening, lengthening the interval results in an additional 1 in 369 women rec…