At what frequency should women start getting pap smears?

• A. Every year
• B. Every 3 years
• C. Every 5 years
• D. Every 10 years

Answer: (B)

The recommended frequency for women to start getting Pap smears aligns with option B: every 3 years. This guideline is based on the consensus of health organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21, regardless of sexual history. Between the ages of 21 to 29, women should have Pap smears every three years. This is because younger women are less likely to have persistent infections that lead to cervical cancer.

From ages 30 to 65, women have the option to continue Pap testing alone every three years or to combine it with HPV (human papillomavirus) testing every five years, which reflects advancements in understanding the risks associated with HPV and cervical cancer. However, the focus here is on the frequency of the Pap smear alone, which is every three years for women in this age group.

Screening intervals become lengthier only after age 30 with the inclusion of HPV testing or after a history of normal screening results, which contributes to a lower risk of cervical cancer. Hence, the guidance that Pap smears be done every three years is a proactive approach