Incorporating HPV Testing into Cervical Cancer Screening: New Nuances

HPV testing can be used as a primary test beginning at age 25; however, cotesting with cytology remains preferred for women younger than 30.

Sponsoring Organization: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Target Population: Women's healthcare providers

Background and Objective

Along with the widening availability of human papillomavirus (HPV)–based diagnostic tests, our burgeoning understanding of HPV as a required cofactor for cervical cancer has shifted the landscape of screening for and prevention of this malignancy. A new Practice Bulletin from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides further refinement of these screening recommendations.

Key Recommendations

Cotesting with cytology and HPV testing are recommended every 5 years beginning at age 30.
Annual testing is discouraged, as it leads to unnecessary colposcopies without detecting su…

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)