August 6, 2010 Most women should not bother getting a Pap test
until they turn 21, according to the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). However, certain
populations under 21 that still do need screening are detailed
in new ACOG guidelines. Exceptions include women with
compromised immune systems, since they cannot "fend off viral
infections as easily or at all," ACOG said in a release. "HIV-
infected adolescent girls should have cervical cancer screening
twice in the first year after their HIV diagnosis and once a
year thereafter," ACOG said. "Sexually active adolescents who
have weakened immune systems from an organ transplant or because
of long-term steroid therapy also should be screened six months
apart in the first year after they begin having sex and then
continue with annual Pap tests." Most women under 21 with
healthy immune systems "have a better chance of winning the
lottery than getting cancer at that age," said Dr. Mark
Einstein, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, w