Co-Testing

Abstract

The dramatic decline in cervical cancer in women is attributable first to screening with the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, followed later by the addition of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test, which enhanced screening sensitivity. In association with this excellent performance record, resulting from the combination of Pap Test and HPV Test, known also as Co-Testing, the current standard of care for cervical cancer screening for most women (those over 30) is Co-Testing with Pap + HPV tests, as currently recommended by U.S. guidelines. The challenge is to improve screening cost-effectiveness without compromising efficacy. The notion that screening with one test may be more cost-effective than two tests seems reasonable upon first consideration, but closer examination may dispute this assumption. The chapter aims to analyze costs and benefits regarding optimal screening method for daily clinical practice.