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.

Traditionally, many women have been screened for cervical cancer with cervical cytology – also known as Pap tests or Pap smears – in which cells from the cervix are collected and checked for signs of cancer.