NPWH issues guidance on cervical screening
The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) has announced its endorsement of cervical cancer screening guidelines that support the use of HPV (human papillomavirus) testing along with the Pap test for routine screening of women 30 and older.
"As more data emerge documenting that cervical cancer can be prevented and how, it is increasingly important for women of all ages to know the facts — including which prevention and detection strategies are appropriate for them," says Susan Wysocki, RNC, NP, NPWH president and chief executive officer. "While the Pap test is still a good tool, we recognize it is not perfect; this is why we support expanding routine screening to include the HPV test for women 30 and older, who are at highest risk of developing cervical cancer."
Use Pap, regardless of vaccine status
NPWH also recognizes guidelines associated with the new HPV vaccine for females ages 9-26. However, health care professionals should continue to screen all women with the Pap and (in age-appropriate women) HPV tests, regardless of whether they have received the vaccine, NPWH advises.
The NPWH guidelines for HPV testing are as follows:
• Women 30 and older — routine screening with Pap and HPV DNA testing.
Given the increased sensitivity, women 30 and older may benefit from expanded screening using a Pap and the HPV DNA test. In this case, the HPV test is performed regardless of the Pap result, and both tests are used to determine the timing of the next screen or the need for colposcopy.
Women whose HPV test is negative and whose Pap smear is normal do not need to be retested for three years. (Women who get just the Pap need to be tested more frequently.)
• Women of all ages — HPV testing following an inconclusive (ASC-US) Pap test result.
It is appropriate to test for HPV in women of all ages for triage of an inconclusive or borderline Pap result. Women with an inconclusive Pap who test positive for HPV should be evaluated further with a colposcopy. Those who test negative for HPV should have their Pap repeated in one year.
• Women who have received the HPV vaccine.
NPWH strongly recommends that health care professionals continue to screen all women with a Pap and (if 30 or older) the HPV test, regardless of whether they have received the vaccine.
The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) has announced its endorsement of cervical cancer screening guidelines that support the use of HPV (human papillomavirus) testing along with the Pap test for routine screening of women 30 and older.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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