Does the screening interval for Pap (Papanicolau) test with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) change for a 62-year-old patient?

Cervical Cancer Screening at Age 62

For a 62-year-old patient, the screening interval for Pap with HPV co-testing remains every 5 years (or Pap alone every 3 years) until age 65, at which point screening can be discontinued only if there is adequate prior negative screening history. 1

Screening Recommendations for Ages 30-65

• Women aged 30-65 years should receive cytologic and HPV co-testing every 5 years (preferred) or cytologic testing alone every 3 years (acceptable). 1
• Your 62-year-old patient falls within this standard screening age range and should continue routine screening with the same intervals used for younger women in this age group. 1
• The age of 62 does not trigger any change in screening frequency or methodology. 1

Critical Considerations for Discontinuing Screening at Age 65

Your patient's ability to exit screening at age 65 depends entirely on her prior screening history, not her current age of 62. 1

Requirements to Exit Screening at Age 65:

• She must have 3 consecutive negative cytologic tests OR 2 consecutive negative co-tests within the past 10 years. 1
• The most recent test must have been performed within the past 5 years. 1
• She must have no history of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), adenocarcinoma in situ, or cancer. 1

Special Concerns for Women Over 60

• Women over 60 with abnormal results (such as ASC-US with positive HPV) should NOT exit screening at age 65 without additional negative tests. 2, 3
• The risk of cervical cancer is disproportionately high in women over 60 with abnormal screening results, even when dysplasia risk appears low. 2
• If your patient has any recent abnormal results, she requires continued surveillance until obtaining 2 consecutive negative co-tests or 3 consecutive negative Pap tests before exiting screening. 2, 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not prematurely discontinue screening at age 62 simply because the patient is approaching age 65. 1
• Do not allow exit from screening at age 65 if the patient has had a recent abnormal result (such as HPV-positive ASC-US), as this is insufficient for safe exit. 2, 3
• Do not assume that being over 60 years old automatically qualifies a patient to stop screening—the adequacy of prior negative screening history is what matters. 1

Algorithm for Your 62-Year-Old Patient

1. Continue routine screening: Co-testing every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years. 1
2. Document screening history: Review whether she has adequate negative screening history (3 negative Paps or 2 negative co-tests in past 10 years, most recent within 5 years). 1
3. Plan for age 65: If she meets exit criteria at age 65, screening can be discontinued; if not, continue screening beyond age 65 until criteria are met. 1
4. If any abnormal results occur: Do not exit screening at age 65; continue surveillance until obtaining required consecutive negative tests. 2, 3