What is the recommended age to begin screening for cervical cancer with Pap smears?

Cervical cancer screening with Pap smears is recommended to start at age 21, regardless of the onset of sexual activity. This guideline is based on research indicating that cervical cancer in younger populations is rare and that screening before this age can lead to unnecessary procedures and anxiety due to the high rate of transient HPV infections that typically clear on their own.

Beginning screening at age 21 allows for effective monitoring and early detection while minimizing potential harm from interventions in a population that generally has a low incidence of cervical cancer. After the initial Pap smear at age 21, subsequent screenings can be performed every three years until age 29. From ages 30 to 65, women may have the option to switch to co-testing with both a Pap smear and HPV testing, or continue with Pap smear screening alone every three years, depending on their individual health history and risk factors.