According to standard Indian screening guidelines followed under the national cancer screening programme, cytology-based cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) in sexually active women should be performed:
- A Every year starting at age 21
- B Every 5 years from menarche until menopause
- C Every 3 years between 30 and 49 years after initial negative smears ✓
- D Only once at age 40, with no repeat testing if normal
Correct answer: C. Every 3 years between 30 and 49 years after initial negative smears
Explanation
Indian convention, following WHO guidance adapted for low-resource settings, recommends cervical cancer screening beginning at 30 years. With conventional cytology, screening is done every 3 years once initial smears are satisfactory and negative. Annual screening is reserved for high-risk women or those with prior abnormal results, and stopping is generally advised after 49 to 55 years if adequate negative screens exist. Screening before 25 to 30 years yields low yield due to transient HPV infection.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.