The Correct Answer is False.
For decades people have been told to get a Pap test once a year, but research has shown that this isn't needed. In fact, we now know that yearly Pap tests offer very little if any benefit compared to getting screened every 3 years.
And, there can be harm to screening more often. False positives (this is where the test shows cancer but this turns out to be wrong) are very common with cervical cancer screening, and more frequent screening can lead to the need for more follow up tests. These tests can have unwanted side effects, including problems related to future pregnancies and delivery, as well as increased anxiety and time away from work or home.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all individuals with a cervix at average risk should begin cervical cancer testing (screening) at age 25.
Those aged 25 to 65 should get a primary HPV test* every 5 years.
If a primary HPV test is not available in your area, screening may be done with either a co-test (that combines an HPV test with a Pap test) every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years. (*A primary HPV test is an HPV test that is done by itself for screening. There are certain tests approved to be primary HPV tests.)
The most important thing to remember is to get screened regularly, no matter which test you get.
People over age 65 who have had regular screening for the past 10 years and haven’t had certain pre-cancers in the last 25 years should stop cervical cancer screening.