Summary:
- The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines for cervical cancer screening, recommending that women ages 25-65 get an HPV (human papillomavirus) test every 5 years instead of a Pap smear every 3 years.
- The HPV test can be done with a self-collected vaginal swab, which is easier and more comfortable for women than the traditional Pap smear procedure.
- This change in guidelines is expected to increase cervical cancer screening rates and catch more precancerous changes early, leading to better prevention and early treatment of cervical cancer.