Which of the following is the screening method of cervical cancer for a women age between 30-65 years old?

NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Obstetrics & Gynaecology (E5)

Easy

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

For women aged 30-65, the preferred method for cervical cancer screening is co-testing, which combines a Pap test and an HPV test.
This combined approach is recommended every 5 years.
Co-testing is preferred because it has higher sensitivity for detecting precancerous lesions and cancer than a Pap test alone.
The high negative predictive value of co-testing allows for a longer and safer interval between screenings.

Option A: Mammography is a screening tool for breast cancer, not cervical cancer. It uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breast tissue.
Option B: While a Pap test alone is an acceptable screening method for this age group, it is not the preferred method. It is less sensitive than co-testing and needs to be performed more frequently (every 3 years).
Option C: Colonoscopy and DCBE are procedures used to screen for colorectal cancer by examining the large intestine.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines is crucial for early detection and prevention. Early-stage cervical cancer is highly treatable, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the importance of regular screening, explaining the different test options, and ensuring follow-up for abnormal results.
What if the woman is immunocompromised (e.g., living with HIV)? Her screening schedule would be different. She would likely need more frequent screening, starting earlier, and co-testing would be particularly important, as her risk for persistent HPV infection and rapid progression to cancer is higher.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements in the question: the condition (cervical cancer), the purpose (screening), and the specific patient population (women aged 30-65).
Second, recall the standard screening guidelines for cervical cancer, recognizing that recommendations vary by age.
Third, evaluate each option against these guidelines. Eliminate options that are for screening other types of cancer (Mammography for breast, Colonoscopy for colon).
Fourth, compare the remaining relevant options. Both 'Pap test alone' and 'Co-testing' are used for cervical screening.
Finally, select the 'best' or 'preferred' method for the specified age group. For women 30-65, co-testing is the preferred standard of care due to its higher sensitivity and longer screening interval.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 557-559, 1571-1573

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