Task force set to update cervical cancer screening guidelines

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is preparing to update its cervical cancer screening guidelines based on a review published Tuesday on the use of liquid-based cytology (LBC) and high-risk HPV screening. The review found that while evidence supports the use of LBC or conventional cytology, more complete evidence is needed before HPV-enhanced screening is widely adopted for women aged 30 years and older.

The review found that HPV screening was more sensitive than cytology for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3+ (CIN3+) or CIN2+, but was less specific. The reviewers concluded that although HPV screening offers a potential cancer prevention benefit compared with cytology alone, there is insufficient evidence to justify substituting HPV testing for cytology. In 2003, the task force concluded evidence was insufficient to recommend for or against the routine use of HPV testing. The review was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ...