Medical News Today (MNT)ACS Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Updates: What to Know

The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines on December 4, 2025. The highlights: screening now starts at age 25 (not 21), the guidelines include FDA-approved self-collection HPV kits, and clarifies age 65 discontinuation criteria. With a projected 57% increase in cervical cancer cases by 2050, updated screening guidelines are critical.

🔬 CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Self-collected HPV testing offers access solution for underserved populations but screens only high-risk HPV—positive results still require provider follow-up with Pap smear for cellular evaluation
• HPV-only testing now preferred method over Pap alone—more powerful at identifying patients requiring follow-up/treatment, with provider-collected samples allowing 5-year intervals versus 3-year for self-collection
• Age 65 screening discontinuation requires documentation: last 3 consecutive tests (without HPV) or last 2 tests (with HPV) must be normal with consistent 3-5 year screening adherence
• Delayed start to age 25 may miss early cases—clinicians must maintain vigilance for symptomatic patients under 25 and ensure continued annual wellness visits regardless of Pap schedule

⚕️ PRACTICE APPLICATIONS

• Educate patients that self-collection HPV tests require prescription, detect only high-risk HPV, and mandate provider follow-up if positive
• Document screening history thoroughly to support age 65 discontinuation decisions using new ACS criteria for normal test requirements
• Counsel patients that annual wellness visits remain essential regardless of Pap intervals—including pelvic exams, breast exams, STI screening
• Update protocols to offer HPV-primary screening as preferred method while maintaining Pap and co-testing as guideline-recognized options

Cervical Cancer Summaries