ESSENTIAL CHANGES TO THE MANAGEMENT OF ABNORMAL CERVICAL CYTOLOGY RESULTS

In the United States, 3.5 million Pap smears show abnormal cytology and require additional follow-up. Early detection of abnormal cervical cytology improves successful treatment and can prevent early cervical changes from becoming cancerous. The new guidelines issued by the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology provide recommendations for managing women with abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and cancer precursors following adoption of cervical cancer screening guidelines incorporating longer screening intervals and co-testing. The recommended conservative management is worrisome to providers who do not understand the evidence supporting cautious intervention. The purpose of this project was to develop a poster and a manuscript to disseminate to clinicians the science supporting the latest management guidelines for abnormal cervical cytological test results.