Current ASCCP Guidelines for Pap Smears and HPV Testing

Current ASCCP Guidelines for Pap Smears and HPV Testing

Current ASCCP Guidelines for Pap Smears and HPV Testing

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) provides guidelines for managing abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and precursors. The current ASCCP guidelines recommend that cervical cancer screening begins at age 25, regardless of sexual history (Fontham et al., 2020). Women aged 25 to 65 should undergo primary high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing every five years. Co-testing with both Pap and hrHPV testing is an acceptable alternative for women aged 25 to 65 (Swid & Monaco, 2022). Routine cervical cancer screening is not recommended for women under 25 years of age, as most cervical cancer precursors regress spontaneously in this age group (Basu et al., 2018). Therefore, Pap smears and HPV testing are not necessary for this patient, as she is not sexually active and is under the age of 25. Additionally, since she has never received the HPV vaccine, it is recommended that she receive the HPV vaccine series to prevent future HPV-related diseases. The current ASCCP guidelines do not recommend routine cervical cancer screening for women under 25, regardless of sexual history. HPV testing is recommended as the primary screening method for women aged 25 to 65 years. Therefore, Pap smears and HPV testing are unnecessary for this patient, but she should receive the HPV vaccine series to prevent future HPV-related diseases.

The Rationale to the Patient and the Mother

As an 18-year-old female who has never been sexually active and has no concerns with her menstrual cycle, it is not necessary to undergo a Pap smear or HPV testing at this time. Current guidelines recommend that women begin Pap smear screening at age 21, regardless of sexual history (Curry et al., 2018). HPV testing is typically not recommended for women under 30 unless abnormal cells are detected during a Pap smear. Furthermore, the HPV vaccine is recommended for males and females aged 11 or 12 but can be administered until age 26. The vaccine protects against several types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer, genital warts, and other cancers. While it is ideal to receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active, it can still protect those who have already become sexually active or have been exposed to HPV. It is important to note that while cervical cancer is a significant health concern, the majority of cases are caused by HPV strains that are not covered by the vaccine (Ikeda et al., 2019). Therefore, routine Pap smear screening starting at age 21, or earlier if there are abnormal symptoms or medical history, is the most effective way to detect and prevent cervical cancer. The 18-year-old patient does not need a Pap smear or HPV testing. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for males and females at a younger age, but can still be administered until age 26. Routine Pap smear screening starting at age 21, or earlier if there are abnormal symptoms or medical history, is the most effective way to detect and prevent cervical cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, well-woman health screenings are essential for the early detection and prevention of various diseases that affect women. Cervical cancer screening, in particular, is crucial in preventing this disease’s incidence and mortality rates. As shown in this essay, there are clear recommendations for the HPV vaccine and current guidelines for Pap smears and HPV testing. When counseling patients, educating them about the benefits and potential risks of screening and vaccination is crucial. Healthcare providers must also communicate the rationale behind these recommendations to patients and their families effectively. Healthcare providers can help promote better health outcomes for women by emphasizing the importance of regular screening and vaccination.

References

Basu, P., Mittal, S., Vale, D. B., & Kharaji, Y. C. (2018). Secondary prevention of cervical cancer. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 47, 73-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2017.08.012