Best Practice Advice for Cervical Cancer Screening in Average-Risk Women

New recommendations from the ACP reflect a better understanding of the transient nature of most HPV infections and the harms of too-frequent screening.

Sponsoring Organization: American College of Physicians (ACP)

Target Population: All clinicians

Background and Objective

In the U.S., cervical cancer mortality and morbidity have been reduced due to routine screening for cervical cytologic abnormalities in asymptomatic women. However, a greater understanding of the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer has led to new screening approaches that incorporate HPV testing. The ACP has updated its best practice advice for cervical cancer screening in average-risk women.

Key Recommendations

Women should be screened with cervical cytology every 3 years beginning at age 21.
Women aged ≥30 can be screened with cytology and HPV testing every 5 years.
Women younger than 21 should not be screene…

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)