Which of the following is NOT an approved cervical cancer screening option for women aged 30 to 65?

Which of the following is NOT an approved cervical cancer screening option for women aged 30 to 65?

• A. Cytology alone every 3 years
• B. hrHPV testing alone every 5 years
• C. hrHPV testing in combination with cytology every 5 years
• D. Cytology every 2 years

Answer: (D)

For women aged 30 to 65, approved screening options include cytology alone every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing alone every 5 years, or a combination of HPV testing with cytology every 5 years. Cytology every 2 years is not an approved schedule because the evidence supports a 3-year interval when using cytology alone, and longer intervals when using HPV-based strategies, to balance benefits with potential harms. More frequent screening with cytology increases false positives and unnecessary procedures without extra mortality benefit. Therefore, cytology every 2 years does not fit the approved options.

For women aged 30 to 65, approved screening options include cytology alone every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing alone every 5 years, or a combination of HPV testing with cytology every 5 years. Cytology every 2 years is not an approved schedule because the evidence supports a 3-year interval when using cytology alone, and longer intervals when using HPV-based strategies, to balance benefits with potential harms. More frequent screening with cytology increases false positives and unnecessary procedures without extra mortality benefit. Therefore, cytology every 2 years does not fit the approved options.