ACS Releases New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) released new recommendations for cervical cancer screening that focus on HPV testing and approve the use of self-collected samples.The recommendations, which apply...
- The ACS is one of two groups that make recommendations about screening for different types of cancer.
- Hear's what everyone should no about the new ACS screening recommendations:
ACS Releases New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
The American Cancer Society (ACS) released new recommendations for cervical cancer screening that focus on HPV testing and approve the use of self-collected samples.The recommendations, which apply to anyone with a cervix who is at average risk, also clarify the age at which screening should start and stop.
The ACS is one of two groups that make recommendations about screening for different types of cancer. The other group is the United States Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF) which is made up of self-reliant doctors, nurses, and public health experts. Their recommendations impact what health insurance will pay for. USPSTS is in the process of revising their cervical cancer screening guidelines as well.
Hear’s what everyone should no about the new ACS screening recommendations:
* HPV Primary: The ACS recommends that providers use an HPV primary test which looks for the presence of the types of HPV (human papilloma virus) that are known to cause almost all cases of cervical cancer. If the HPV primary test is not available, the ACS recommends co-testing. Co-testing involves an HPV test done at the same time as a Pap test (also called cytology). If this is not available,the ACS says providers can use the Pap test alone.
* Screening starting at 25: The ACS recommends people start screening at age 25 irrespective of what test they are getting. This is in part because cervical cancer is rare in younger people. This is different than current USPSTF recommendations that suggest that people get Pap tests between ages 21 and 29 and then start HPV primary testing or co-testing at age 30.
* Self-collection is acceptable: Traditionally, all samples for HPV tests or Pap tests were collected by a health care provider during a speculum exam. The ACS continues to say that this is the preferred method of collection, but acknowledges that this can be difficult for some people or in some areas. In those cases, the ACS say that self-collected HPV tests are an acceptable choice.
* Three- to five-year follow up: The recommendati