New Guideline: No Pap Smears For Women Under 21

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Updated: 2:45 PM Nov 20, 2009 New Guideline: No Pap Smears For Women Under 21 The group now says women should wait until age 21 to have their first pap smear and they can be rescreened less often than previously recommended. Posted: 9:47 AM Nov 20, 2009 Reporter: CBS

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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released new guidelines concerning cervical cancer screenings.

The group now says women should wait until age 21 to have their first pap smear and they can be rescreened less often than previously recommended.

Most women younger than 30 should undergo cervical cancer screenings once every two years and those 30 and older --- once every three years.

The advice comes on the heels of controversial new government guidelines about mammograms released earlier this week.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Melissa Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 23, 2009 at 03:10 PM

This is getting silly now, first Mammograms until age 50 and now Paps until 21. If I remember correctly (hear the sarcasm)cervical cancer is a silent killer, I know, my Great Grandmother died from it. I was 26 when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, on my yearly visit, if I had waited the 2 years they suggest, I would have gone undiagnosed and most likely not be here today. I had my first mammogram at 35 because breast cancer runs in my family. They found some abnormalities in both breasts, so i had my first biopsy at 35 also. For the amount of times they catch cancer in early stages, to where it actually helps save young lives, they are making suggestions that will impact far too many women. I do hope that insurance companies (current or the gov't one)continue with current standards for women health care.

Posted by: Chelsea Location: Ft Campbell on Nov 21, 2009 at 02:15 AM

Ok young girls, no matter what Tricare may say to you over the phone, if you are sexually active, get tested! THEY WILL COVER YOUR TESTS!!!! Get regular test for AIDS it can show years after entering the body, don't wait and miss the chance of progtecting yourself early on. I was 15 when I lost my "V." I feel like God protected me from so much, but GIRLS, GET TESTED, DON'T BE ASHAMED!!! DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU!!!

Posted by: ChitG on Nov 21, 2009 at 02:06 AM

I feel terrible but I lost my "v" when I was 15, And I feel for every girl who has sex on a reg. basis, same guy or not get tested, ask for a pap smear, young girls keep yourselves protected if you decide to make grown up decisions, make grown choices and either don't have sex or use protection when you do!! My parents were too "churchy" to tlk to me and I wish they would have.

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