Which age group is included in the Cervical Cancer Screening measure?

The Cervical Cancer Screening measure specifically targets women aged 21-64. This age range is based on guidelines established by health organizations, which recommend that cervical cancer screening begin at age 21 regardless of sexual history. Screening is generally done through Pap tests and, for women aged 30 and older, HPV testing may also be included. The decision to continue screening up to age 64 is aligned with evidence that highlights the risk of cervical cancer and the effectiveness of early detection at these ages.

In contrast, options that suggest age groups outside this defined range do not align with the established screening guidelines. For example, including women aged 18-21 or those up to 40 or only 30-65 does not reflect the comprehensive approach recommended for cervical cancer screening, which is specifically focused on the 21-64 age demographic. Thus, the measure captures the most relevant group for assessing screening effectiveness and health outcomes related to cervical cancer.