Testing for high-risk human papillomaviruses every five years – even with a self-collected sample – is the “preferred screening strategy” for cervical cancer starting at age 30, according to a new draft recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force.

A U.S. health panel says women should have the option of taking their own test samples for cervical cancer screening. The draft recommendations from the U.S.

The update to the recommendation is not because Pap tests are harmful but because HPV tests are considered more effective in screening for cervical cancer in women aged 30 to 65. The draft also continues to recommend cervical cytology alone every three years for women in their 20s.