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Thursday, November 8, 2012

New pap smear guideline 2012

The American College of Ob.gyn just came out in November with the new guideline for cervical cancer screening (pap smear) for women.  It recommends:
- To start getting pap smear: age 21 years old
- age 21 to 29 years old: pap smear every 3 years
- age 30 to 65 years old: pap smear with HPV testing (both tests combined called "cotesting") every 5 years
- Older than age 65 years old: no pap needed

Do remember that these are just guidelines.  Your doctor may modify them depends on your clinical situation.  Also, you may get pap more frequently if you have had abnormal pap smear, cervical cancer or other conditions.  do talk to your doctor. 

Reference:
ACOG practice bulletin, no 131.  November 2012

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