Which screening is recommended for women at age 21 according to guidelines?

• A. Mammogram
• B. Pap smear
• C. Bone density scan
• D. Cholesterol screening

Answer: (B)

The recommended screening for women at age 21 is the Pap smear. This screening is crucial because it is designed to detect cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. Guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) indicate that cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21, regardless of the onset of sexual activity.

The Pap smear helps to identify abnormalities that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated, allowing for early intervention and improved outcomes. Routine screening every three years is recommended for women in this age group, as it is an essential part of women's health care.

Other screenings like mammograms, bone density scans, and cholesterol screenings have different age recommendations or risk factors associated with them, which makes them unsuitable for routine screening at age 21. For example, mammograms are typically recommended starting at age 40 for average-risk women, and bone density scans are generally suggested for older women who are at risk for osteoporosis. Cholesterol screening is also not routinely performed at 21 unless there are additional risk factors present.