Final answer:
Women should start getting Pap smears at age 21, and continue every three years until 50; then every five years until 65 unless there's a history of abnormal results or cancer. Despite HPV vaccination, Pap smears are still recommended due to a small risk of cervical cancer. They are crucial in preventing cervical cancer deaths.
Step-by-step explanation:
Women should begin receiving routine Pap smears at the age of 21. The general guideline for Pap smear frequency is every three years until the age of 50, after which it should be done every five years until age 65. This screening schedule applies to individuals who have a history of normal Pap smear results. Screening after age 65 can be discontinued if the last three tests were normal and no new risks have developed.
Even for those who have received the HPV vaccine, regular Pap smears are still recommended due to the small risk of cervical cancer. For individuals with a history of abnormal Pap smears or cancer, more frequent screenings may be necessary. The importance of Pap smears is underscored by their role in reducing cervical cancer deaths by up to 80 percent.