Cervical cytology screening in teens

New guidelines for when to initiate cervical cancer screening have recently been revised. The American Cancer Society now recommends that screening be initiated within 3 years of the onset of vaginal intercourse but no later than 21 years of age. Natural history studies of human papillomavirus (HPV; the cause of abnormal cytology and cervical cancer) suggest that there is little risk of a significant precancerous lesion going undetected within the first 3 to 5 years after the onset of sexual activity. The new recommendations will assist in the over-referral and overtreatment of adolescents with HPV.