What is the recommended age for women to begin routine screening for cervical cancer with a Pap test?

The recommended age for women to begin routine screening for cervical cancer with a Pap test is 21 years old. This guideline is based on extensive research indicating that cervical cancer is rare in women younger than 21 years, and screening this early may lead to unnecessary interventions, such as biopsies, and could cause anxiety without significant benefits.

Starting at age 21 ensures that women are screened at an age where potential abnormalities can be more accurately assessed and managed, promoting better health outcomes. The guidelines also recommend that women aged 21 to 29 should have Pap tests every three years. For those aged 30 and older, co-testing with HPV (human papillomavirus) testing can be done every five years or a Pap test alone every three years. This structured approach helps to balance the early detection of cervical cancer with the minimization of overtreatment and psychological stress.