01/29/2026
If you are due for a well woman exam (pap smear, breast exam, etc), we are happy to help at GFC! Cervical cancer screening is incredibly important and can be caught with recommended screening. Here’s a little more info:
📍When to Start Screening
USPSTF/CDC: Start routine screening at age 21 regardless of sexual activity history.
ACS (2025 updated guidelines): Prefer starting at age 25 for average-risk individuals (reflects new evidence and expanded HPV testing options).
🧪 Screening Options & Intervals
Age 21–29
Pap test (cytology) every 3 years is recommended. Co-testing with HPV is not routinely recommended in this age group.
Age 30–65
You have multiple evidence-based options:
Primary HPV testing every 5 years (preferred when available)
Co-testing with HPV + Pap every 5 years
Pap test alone every 3 years
All three options are acceptable, but HPV-based testing (primary or co-testing) detects more high-grade precancers.
🛑 When to Stop Screening
Age 65: Screening can usually be discontinued if you have an adequate history of normal results:
- At least 3 consecutive negative Pap tests or
- At least 2 consecutive negative primary HPV tests within the last 10 years, with the most recent within the past 5 years.
- Individuals with a history of significant abnormalities (such as high-grade lesions) or certain risk factors may need continued screening beyond age 65.
Special Considerations
✔ HPV Vaccination: People who have been vaccinated against HPV should still follow routine screening; the vaccine doesn’t cover all cancer-causing HPV types.
✔ Higher Risk Individuals: Those with a history of cervical cancer, immunocompromised state, or certain exposures may need tailored screening — talk to your clinician.
🧠 Why These Guidelines Matter
Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening and follow-up. HPV infection causes nearly all cervical cancers, and modern screening focuses on detecting HPV or abnormal cells early — before cancer develops
