Final answer:
Pap smears should begin at age 21 for individuals regardless of sexual activity, with screenings every three years until age 50 and every five years until 65. HPV testing begins at age 30 and is conducted every five years if the results are negative. Pap smears detect pre-cancerous conditions early, and HPV tests are essential for monitoring HPV-related abnormalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
For individuals who are sexually active, Pap smear screenings should begin from the age of 21. This is because cervical cancer is most commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transferred through sexual activity. For those who are not sexually active, there is little benefit to screening before this age. Once started, Pap smears are generally recommended every three years until age 50, and thereafter, every five years until age 65. Screening may no longer be necessary after 65 if the last three Pap tests were normal. If a person undergoes a complete hysterectomy, further Pap smears are not needed unless there is a history of abnormal results or cancer.
Pap smears should also not be conducted during menstruation and can be resumed around three months after childbirth for better accuracy. For women starting at age 30, an HPV test is recommended alongside the Pap smear and subsequently every five years if results are negative. The goal of regular Pap smears is to detect abnormal cells that could indicate the presence of pre-cancerous conditions, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
In lower-income countries, access to Pap smears may be limited, resulting in up to 80 percent of worldwide cervical cancer cases. Furthermore, combining a Pap smear with an HPV test, as in the case of Michelle, increases the chances of an accurate diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of both tests in monitoring for HPV-related abnormalities.