Statement from Dr. Vanessa Cullins, Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s Vice President for External Medical Affairs, on New American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) today issued new guidelines for cervical cancer screenings.
The guidelines recommend that non-high-risk women ages 30-65 be screened for cervical cancer every five years using Pap testing combined with HPV testing, or every three years using Pap testing alone. The new ACOG guidelines align with others issued earlier this year by the American Cancer Society, The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The following is a statement from PPFA Vice President for External Medical Affairs Dr. Vanessa Cullins on the new guidelines.
“Several months ago, Planned Parenthood health centers changed their cervical cancer screening guidelines to align with those issued by the American Cancer Society, United States Preventive Services Task Force and other professional medical organizations. We are pleased to see that the new ACOG guidelines call for nearly identical evidenced-based protocols, which will help patients and their health care providers balance the benefits and risks of being screened for cervical cancer.
"Cervical cancer is a slow-growing disease and most precancerous lesions resolve on their own, negating the need for unnecessary biopsies and procedures that can cause women more harm than good. A woman’s age and individual risk factors for cervical cancer have a bearing on how frequently she should be screened. However, women need a variety of other routine preventive health care services, so it is important that they still visit their provider for regular well-women exams.
“As a leading provider of women’s health care, including cervical cancer screening, Planned Parenthood sees firsthand that proper and regular screening saves lives.”
Source
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Contact
Planned Parenthood Federation of America media office: 212-261-4433
Published
October 22, 2012