the suggested use of pap smears as a screening test has been slowly undergoing a transformation. many of you may remember the practice of everyone getting a yearly pap smear. over time it became apparent (at least in developed countries) that the incidence of cervical cancer was declining. the majority of cervical cancer was found in women who had not had a pap smear in five or more years. many other developed nations (such as canada) had moved to less frequent paps as long as the woman had no symptoms or risk factors suggesting cervical cancer. the american college of obstetricians and gynecologists (acog) has finally moved into line with other countries and other published guidelines.
are the new recommendations for pap smears really different?