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Cervical cancer screening — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPreventive MedicineCervical cancer screeningMCCQE Part 1

27-year-old sexually active woman with a cervix presents with routine preventive visit. She has no symptoms and no history of high-grade dysplasia. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: A — Offer cervical cancer screening every 3 years according to Canadian Task Force guidance, accounting for provincial programme rules

Offer cervical cancer screening every 3 years according to Canadian Task Force guidance, accounting for provincial programme rules is best because average-risk sexually active patients aged 25-69 are routinely screened. Use a United States screening schedule instead of Canadian guidance is suboptimal because MCCQE questions expect Canadian preventive-care guidance; Defer all preventive care until symptoms develop is suboptimal because screening and immunisation aim to prevent disease before symptoms; Order the most invasive test as routine first-line screening is suboptimal because screening should balance benefit, harm and resource use; Screen at every visit regardless of interval or prior results is suboptimal because over-screening causes avoidable false positives and harm. Provincial HPV-based programmes may vary, but Canadian guidance is not the USPSTF schedule.

Reference: CTFPHC cervical cancer screening guidance