Less Frequent Pap Tests OK for Many

Experts say a new testing option could allow many women to get screened less often for cervical cancer. The new advice is for women age 30 and older. If a Pap test and a human papilloma virus (HPV) test both show normal results, these women can wait 5 years to get tested again. Or they can follow previous advice and get a Pap every 3 years. Several expert groups issued the updated guidelines March 15. They included the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. The guidelines say the longer wait between Pap tests is safe if women are not infected with HPV. This virus causes cervical cancer. Women could become infected after the test. But 5 years is enough time to treat any abnormal cells before they turn into cancer. Many women under 30 are infected with HPV. But the body usually clears the infection on its own.