When Eva Peron died of cervical cancer in 1952, she didn't know what she was suffering from. In those days, some doctors were willing to keep the "C" word from patients. Times sure have changed — and for the better! Cervical cancer rates have plummeted more than 50 percent in the past 30 years; we now know what causes it (certain strains of the HPV virus); there's an HPV vaccination (ask your doc if you're eligible); and we're never reluctant to talk about cancer screening, since it saves lives.

However, recent headlines saying women need a Pap smear (to check for cervical cancer) only every three to five years don't tell the whole story. But we will. The new American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations are:

1. Women younger than 21 don't need a Pap smear, even if they're sexually active, although they (and women of all ages) should get a yearly gyno exam to check for sexually transmitted diseases and other problems.

2. From ages 21 to 30: Screen every two years with Pap smear only; no HPV test.

3. Women 30 to 65 who've never had cervical dysplasia (precancerous cells) should get a Pap smear and an HPV test (two swabs, one exam). If both are negative — no cancer or precancerous cells — your risk of cervical cancer is almost zero, says ACOG. You don't need another combo test for five years.

4. If you don't want an HPV test or don't have access to one, get a Pap every three years.


© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.