According to the National Cancer Grid India guidelines 2022, the recommended cervical cancer screening interval using VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) in resource-limited settings is:
- A Annually from age 25
- B Once in a lifetime at age 35 and 45 ✓
- C Every 5 years from age 30 to 60
- D Every 3 years from age 21 to 65
Correct answer: B. Once in a lifetime at age 35 and 45
Explanation
WHO and India's National Cancer Grid recommend a simplified approach for low-resource settings: VIA screening once at age 35 and once at age 45 (screen-and-treat strategy). This 'once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime' approach significantly reduces cervical cancer mortality with minimal infrastructure requirements. Annual or 3-yearly screening requires laboratory infrastructure (Pap/HPV) more suited to higher-resource settings.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.