General Healthcare, Health

Cervical Screening Guidelines

 

The current cervical cancer screening guidelines vary slightly based on the recommendations of different organizations, but they generally agree on the following points:

  1. Age to Begin Screening:
    • Screening should begin at age 25 for individuals with a cervix.
  2. Screening Methods and Frequency for Ages 25-65:
    • Primary HPV Testing: Every 5 years.
    • Co-testing (HPV test and Pap test): Every 5 years.
    • Pap Test (Cytology): Every 3 years.
  3. Women Under 21:
    • Screening is not recommended because cervical cancer is rare in this age group, and the harms of screening (e.g., false positives, unnecessary treatment) outweigh the benefits.
  4. Women Over 65:
    • Screening can be stopped if there have been adequate prior screenings and no history of cervical precancer (e.g., 3 consecutive negative Pap tests or 2 consecutive negative co-tests in the past 10 years, with the most recent test performed within the past 5 years).
  5. Post-Hysterectomy:
    • Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix for non-cancerous reasons and have no history of cervical cancer or precancer do not need to be screened.

These guidelines are designed to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of over-testing, such as false positives and unnecessary treatments.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Early-stage cervical cancer typically does not cause symptoms, making regular screening crucial. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Such as bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause.
  • Unusual vaginal discharge: Which may be watery, bloody, or have a foul odor.
  • Pelvic pain: Especially during intercourse.

More advanced stages may present with symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine.
  • Swelling of the legs.
  • Pain in the lower back.
  • Unintended weight loss.
  • Fatigue.

It is important to consult a healthcare provider if any of these symptoms occur.
-Phan Trần Hương-

Sources:

  • American Cancer Society: Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
  • United States Preventive Services Taskforce: Cervical Cancer: Screening