Abstract / Summary
Cervical cancer screening is an important aspect of public health and preventive medicine and contributes to reducing cervical cancer-related deaths.Cervical cancer screening guidelines have changed over time, shifting toward less frequent screening recommendations and an increased age of screening onset.These changes have been influenced by advances in screening technology, cost-effectiveness considerations, and the widespread implementation of Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.Epidemiologic trends demonstrate increasing HPV-related risk factors, declining screening adherence, and barriers related to knowledge, access, and patient-provider communication.This narrative review examines cervical cancer screening guideline changes in relation to current epidemiologic trends in HPV risk factors.Existing literature was reviewed to evaluate changes in screening recommendations, patterns of screening participation and adherence, shifts in HPV-related risk behaviors, and patient-provider communication barriers influencing screening uptake.Although updated screening guidelines are supported by technological advancements and cost-effectiveness considerations, increasing trends in HPV risk factors and reduced screening adherence may limit the effectiveness of less frequent screening strategies.This narrative review analyzes cervical cancer screening guideline changes in relation to current epidemiologic trends in HPV risk factors, an important consideration when evaluating screening policy decisions.