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 independent doctors, nurses, and public health experts. Thier recommendations impact what health insurance will pay for. USPSTS is in the process of revising their cervical cancer screening guidelines as well.

Here’s what everyone should know 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 no