New cervical cancer screening guidelines

WASHINGTON The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says having the tests every two years is enough to catch slow-growing cervical cancer in women under 30. Previous rules had called for annual testing.

The new guidelines also say that routine Pap screening should begin at age 21. Previously, ACOG had urged a first Pap either within three years of first sexual intercourse or at age 21.

Pap smears can spot pre-cancerous changes in the cervix in time to prevent invasive cancer. Widespread use has halved cervical cancer rates in the U.S. in recent decades.

The change comes amid a completely separate debate over when regular mammograms to detect breast cancer should begin. ACOG says the timing is a coincidence.

The recommendations are published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.