Which screening is recommended for women starting at age 21?

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

Answer: (B)

The recommendation for women starting at age 21 to undergo a Pap smear is based on the guidelines provided by major health organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The Pap smear, or Pap test, is designed to screen for cervical cancer by detecting precancerous cells in the cervix.

Regular screening with Pap smears is crucial because early detection of abnormal cervical cells can lead to timely interventions, reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer. The screening begins at age 21 regardless of sexual history, as this age is considered to be the optimal time for cervical cancer screening initiation.

The other options, while important in their own right, serve different purposes and have different recommended initiation ages or frequencies. For example, mammograms for breast cancer screening typically begin at age 40 for average-risk women, bone density tests are generally recommended starting at age 65 or earlier for those at risk for osteoporosis, and cholesterol screening is often suggested starting at age 20 but with varying frequency based on existing health conditions.