Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) operational guidelines, which screening test and interval is recommended for cervical cancer in women aged 30 to 65 years?
- A HPV DNA test every 5 years ✓
- B Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid annually
- C Pap smear every 3 years
- D Colposcopy every 2 years
Correct answer: A. HPV DNA test every 5 years
Explanation
India's population-based screening guidelines recommend HPV DNA testing every 5 years for cervical cancer screening in women aged 30 to 65 years, reflecting its higher sensitivity compared with cytology. Pap smear requires repeat testing every 3 years because of lower sensitivity, and VIA, though used historically in see-and-treat programmes, has been superseded by HPV DNA testing in the national programme.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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