Because I have tested negative for HPV, my HMO says I only need a Pap test every 3 years. I wonder if this is really safe, or just a cost-savings method?

Sorry, I should have said I'm in a monogamous marriage 10+ years, since that may be a factor in the answer.

Hi Zinnia,

Thanks for posting. Screening for cervical cancer with a Pap test is now recommended every three years for women ages 21-29, and also for women over thirty unless they also have a negative HPV test, which means they can go as long as five years between tests! The reason the annual Pap women is going away is because cervical cancer tends to develop very slowly, and research shows that more time between tests is ok for women with normal or negative results. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions.

The link to this new info on the American Cancer Society website is http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/News/new-screening-guidelines-for-cervical-cancer?ssSourceSiteId=null.

Best,
Fredo

_________________
ASHA Moderator