Final answer:
Women aged 30-65 should conduct initial HPV and Pap tests at age 30, and if negative, continue HPV testing every five years and Pap tests every three years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women aged 30 to 65 should undergo HPV screening in conjunction with a Pap test. The initial screening should happen at age 30. If both the HPV test and the Pap test results are negative, further HPV testing is recommended every five years.
While HPV infections are very common, with about 42.5 percent of females having HPV, the screening guidelines are in place to detect cervical cancer early. Regular Pap tests are advised every three years to screen for cervical cancer, ensuring an increased cure rate when detected early.
Genital warts, another presentation of HPV, can usually be diagnosed visually, and preventive measures like the HPV vaccine GARDASIL are recommended to mitigate risks of HPV-related complications.