Screening pap tests should not be done on asymptomatic patients outside of screening intervals and age groups specified in relevant provincial and national guidelines. Cervical cancer is very rare in those younger than 25 years of age even if they are sexually active. Cervical cancer is very rare in those over 69 years of age who have had normal pap smears at regular recommended screening intervals. Screening pap smears done outside of recommended populations could result in false positive findings and lead to unnecessary follow up and treatment. This could result in stress for the patient and expose them to the risks associated with additional investigations and treatments. For more information:
BC Cancer Agency. Screening for Cancer of the Cervix: An Office Manual for Health Care Providers. [Internet]. 2017 June.
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Cervical Cancer (2013): Summary of recommendations for clinicians and policy-makers. [Internet]. 2013.
Popadiuk C, Decker K, Gauvreau C. Starting cervical cancer screening at 25 years of age: the time has come. CMAJ. 2019 Jan 7;191(1):E1-E2. PMID: 30617226.
Patient Materials:
Patient Pamphlet: Pap Tests: When you need them and when you don’t