Home » Drugs » DES »

Pap screening recommendations

May 31, 2007 | Staff | The Arizona Public

With regular Pap tests, most cervical cancer can be prevented or caught early enough for successful treatment. These are the screening recommendations (with date of latest revisions) that most health-care providers follow:

American Cancer Society (2004)

First Pap test: Three years after first sexual intercourse but no later than age 21.

Test frequency:

Yearly until age 29 using the traditional Pap test.

Every two years until age 29 using the newer liquid-based Pap test.

Yearly at any age with either test if you have risk factors such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth, HIV infection or a weakened immune system. Every two to three years with either test beginning at age 30 if you've had three normal Pap test results in a row.

Every three years beginning at age 30 if using either type of Pap test plus the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test.

When testing can stop:

At age 70 if you've had three or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the past 10 years. But continue if you have a history of cervical cancer or other risk factors.

After you've had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix), unless the surgery was performed to treat cervical cancer or pre-cancer.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2003)

First Pap test: About three years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first.

Test frequency:

Yearly until age 30.

Yearly at any age if you were exposed in utero to DES, have a compromised immune system or are infected with HIV.

Every two to three years after age 30 if you've had three negative results on annual Pap tests.

Every three years after age 30 if Pap test and HPV DNA test are negative.

When testing can stop:

After a complete hysterectomy (including removal of the cervix) for benign conditions, you may be able to discontinue routine Pap tests unless you have a history of abnormal cell growth.

No set upper age limit. Talk with your doctor.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2003)

First Pap test: Within three years of beginning sexual activity or by age 21, whichever comes first.

Test frequency: At least every three years.

When testing can stop:

After age 65 if you've had recent normal Pap smear results and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer.

After a complete hysterectomy (including removal of the cervix) for benign conditions.