Start Cervical Cancer Screenings at 21
by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
The rate of cervical cancer has decreased by more than fifty percent in the past thirty years because of screening with pap smears. But, despite the success, there are still many women who are confused about when to be screened, especially young women.
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, cervical screening should begin at 21 years of age, regardless of when a young woman has had sexual intercourse. Cervical cancer is rare in women younger than 21.
Now you might be asking the important question, what if a young woman is sexually active? There is still a need for counseling and discussion about a wide variety of issues.
In case you are wondering, the organization says women between 21 and 29 should be screened every two years and, after age 30, they should be screened every three years assuming they have had three consecutive normal tests.
Don't worry if you did not get all this, you can call your doctor for a quick overview.
