Pap smear screening should start at what age?

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Multiple Choice

Pap smear screening should start at what age?

Starting at age 21. In young people, many HPV infections clear on their own and cervical cancer risk before age 21 is extremely low, so screening this early can lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures. For ages 21–29, the recommended approach is cytology (Pap smear) every 3 years. HPV testing isn’t routinely used in this age group because infections are common and often transient. Beginning screening at 21 balances early detection with minimizing harm from overtreatment. Starting earlier (or later) would not align with these risk–benefit considerations.

Starting at age 21. In young people, many HPV infections clear on their own and cervical cancer risk before age 21 is extremely low, so screening this early can lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures. For ages 21–29, the recommended approach is cytology (Pap smear) every 3 years. HPV testing isn’t routinely used in this age group because infections are common and often transient. Beginning screening at 21 balances early detection with minimizing harm from overtreatment. Starting earlier (or later) would not align with these risk–benefit considerations.

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