ASCP Gears Up for Upcoming USPSTF Cervical Cancer Guideline Updates

ASCP is ready to mobilize our members the moment that the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) releases updated cervical cancer screening guidelines. With only a 30-day comment period for the guidelines, ASCP will need our members to respond swiftly and share their voices to ensure all screening options remain available to all women. Hence, we will be focused on educating and advocating members on behalf of all women.

As a patient-centric organization, ASCP is focused on equity in prevention, screening, and access to accurate cancer diagnoses. These screening guidelines represent a critical milestone for women’s health as changes will directly impact access to preventive care.

ASCP is concerned the USPSTF may suggest changes that reduce patient and provider choice and limit access to effective screening options, such as eliminating screening for ages 21-25, removing the option for Pap testing alone and co-testing (Pap and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing). The Society also believes it’s possible the USPSTF could downgrade the current grade “A” for co-testing or eliminate it altogether.

As part of our preparedness, ASCP created an evidence-based campaign titled “Patient and Provider CHOICE: Preserve Choice in Cervical Cancer Screening” to encourage our membership to take action and advocate on behalf of all women. We have been closely following the most current studies and data showing concerning trends in cervical cancer screening in the U.S., making this an even more critical issue that ASCP is standing at the ready to address. The campaign features an Action Center that will allow members direct access to the USPSTF comment page. ASCP believes our collective voice can make an impact in preserving choice and improving overall care for women.

The Society is diligently following developments pertaining to this topic and hopes to mobilize members to respond swiftly when the USPSTF cervical cancer screening guidelines are released. Thank you for your support on this critical women’s health issue. 

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