Pap smears. Still a reliable screening tool for cervical cancer

This is the second in a series of short articles on management of common problems primary care physicians encounter in the office setting. Written by members of postgraduate medicine's Editorial Council, these articles offer a personal perspective gleaned from hands-on experience plus review of the literature. Here, Dr Stack looks at recommendations for Pap smear screening. Although not infallible, the Pap smear has been invaluable in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer over the past 50 years. This article covers current standards as well as controversies and new technologies.