New guidelines have been set forth by the ASCCP regarding when pap smears should be done. These guidelines are very different than what was recommended in the past. Pap smears along with testing for high risk HPV are still the best way to screen for cervical pre-cancers and cancers. The high risk types of HPV are the etiologic agents in cervical pre-cancers and cancers.
Pap smears should be initiated at age 21, and not before. It doesn't matter how early someone became sexually active, because regardless of age at first sex, paps should begin at 21. The chance of someone under 21 years old developing cervical cancer is very rare, less than one in a million.
Related Q&A:
How often should a pap smear be done?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
