USPSTF guidance for cervical cancer screening 21-29 years specifies which interval with cytology alone?

• A. Every 3 years
• B. Every 5 years
• C. Every 2 years
• D. Annually

Answer: (A)

Screening with Pap smear alone in young adults uses a 3-year interval because this test, while good at spotting significant cervical changes, has limited sensitivity and the infections that cause cervical changes are common and often transient in this age group. Sticking to every 3 years capture most clinically important precancers and cancers while reducing harms from over-testing, such as false positives and unnecessary procedures. In women aged 30 to 65, the guidance expands to either Pap alone every 3 years or co-testing with HPV every 5 years, but for those 21 to 29, the recommended approach is cytology alone every 3 years, not more frequent or less frequent testing.