Screening should be initiated at 21 years of age in asymptomatic, immunocompetent women. Studies have shown the largest number of false positive test results occurring in adolescents younger than 21 years and have the lowest incidence of cervical cancer. There is no protective effect in screening women younger than 21 years. There are few studies that address the age of cessation. Modelling studies have not shown increase in protective effect when screening women greater than 70 years who have had prior routine screening.
Conditions: Cervical cancer
Diagnostic Tests: Pap smears screening
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Sources
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