Changes to Pap test schedule for women

Women no longer need an annual test for cervical cancer, says a statement from the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The statement, written by Dr. Virginia Moyer, chair of the USPSTF, changes the way in which women in the United States are screened for cervical cancer.

Previously, doctors recommended an annual Pap test to detect cervical cancer. However, the recent recommendation now says that women only need a Pap test once every three years, and may delay initial testing to the age of 21, even if they are sexually active before that age.

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