What is the rationale behind the latest Guidelines?

1. Primarily, the rare incidence of invasive cervical cancer in women younger than age 21, and the
   potential harm due to the unnecessary treatment of precancerous lesions as a result of screening,
   prompted this recommendation to start screening no earlier than age 21. 
   
   
2. There is really no significant difference in cervical cancer reduction between 2-year and 3-year screening
   intervals - and the fact that HPV testing:
   
       a. Improved the sensitivity of CIN 2+ detection
   
       b. Provided such a wonderful negative predictive value - and longer protection.
   
   
3. Screening discontinuation for women ages >65 is based on the rare incidence of cervical cancer and the low prevalence of CIN 2+ lesions in well-screened women older than age 65.