Based on several recent studies, new guidelines for initiation of cervical cancer screening have been developed. Evidence shows that screening before the age of 21 years does not change the rate of cervical cancer in that age group or in older women. Cervical cancer, in general, is extremely rare in those younger than 21 years. Consequently, cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21 years.

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Reduce Risk or Incidence of Disease or Condition, Healthcare, Public Health, Clinical Practice, Primary Prevention, Patients, Healthcare Providers

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Committee on Adolescent Health Care [Internet]. 2010 Aug [cited 2013 Jan 16]; Cervical Cancer in Adolescents: Screening, Evaluation and Management. Committee Opinion No. 463. Obstet Gynecol 2010;116(2, Part 1):469?72. Cervical Cancer in Adolescents: Screening, Evaluation and Management; Washington (DC): American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Available from http://www.acog.org/~/media/Committee%20Opinions/Committee%20on%20Adolescent%20Health%20Care/co463.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120223T1455568889