American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released new recommendations for cervical cancer testing. The updated guidelines aim to simplify the screening process and improve early detection. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical officer at the healthcare platform Hers, discussed the changes with CBS News. She emphasized that regular screening remains the most effective tool for preventing cervical cancer. The revised guidelines focus on the primary use of the HPV test. This test checks for the human papillomavirus, the virus that causes most cervical cancers. Experts consider it more effective than the traditional Pap smear alone. These updates may change how often patients need screenings and which tests they receive. The ACS advises women to consult their healthcare provider to understand the new recommendations and their personal screening schedule.