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Cervical Cancer Screening Updates—Focus on Self-Collected Primary Human Papillomavirus Testing

Author/s: 
Hunter K. Holt, MD, MAS, Yasaswi Kislovskiy, MSc, George F Sawaya

The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer have fallen since the adoption of widespread screening, but it still disproportionately affects underserved populations in the US. Expanding access to screening, especially in primary care settings, may reduce these disparities and improve women’s health. This Clinical Insights article summarizes cervical cancer screening recommendations for patients with average and higher than average risk, including recommendations for self-collected human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. It highlights statements by the US National Cancer Institute–sponsored Enduring Guidelines Committee, which was established to continuously evaluate new technologies for cervical cancer screening, management, and surveillance.

Keywords 
cervical cancer Cervical Cancer Screening Papillomavirus Testing Screening Updates Women's Health

Cervical cancer screening guideline for individuals at average risk

Author/s: 
Chor, J., Davis, A. M., Rusiecki, J. M.

Major recommendations

Begin screening at age 25 years regardless of sexual history or HPV vaccination status (strong recommendation)

Primary HPV testing every 5 years through age 65 years (strong recommendation)

If primary HPV testing is not available use cotesting (HPV+ cytology) every 5 years or every 3 years if cytology only (strong recommendation)

Discontinue screening at age 65 years if no history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more severe diagnosis in last 25 years and adequate negative prior screening in last 10 years (qualified recommendation)

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