NEW YORK - For the second time this week, health experts have released new cancer screening guidelines for women, overturning long-held -- and widely followed -- practices.

First, a federal advisory panel recommended scaling back mammograms and stopping breast self-exams. Now a panel has recommended pap smears also be scaled back for younger women.

Shoshana Danon-Perkins of Georgetown was scheduled for her annual pap smear Friday morning. But based on new screening guidelines for cervical cancer, her doctor advised her she didn't need it.

"If we don't, then I trust her," said Danon-Perkins, who is over 30 and has three consecutive negative cervical cancer screenings.

Under the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' new guidelines, she should now get the test once every three years.

"This is an excellent example of how better research allows us to take better care of our patients," said Dr. Nancy Gaba of George Washington University Hospital.

The guidelines advise women to have their first cervical cancer screening at 21. It used to be either 21 or within three years of a woman's first sexual experience. It's also now recommended most women younger than 30 get cervical screens every other year rather than annually. The tests are used to spot pre-cancerous changes in the cervix in time to prevent invasive cancer. 

"I think young women we know they often have abnormal pap tests because of the HPV virus. And we know the treatment damages the cervix and can lead to increase risk of premature birth in young women," said Dr. Marie Savard, a Medical consultant for ABC News. "We think it's good to change that to age 21." 

Cervical cancer is caused by certain strains of the HPV STD, so women who are not sexually active would not be at risk. Researchers say the younger the woman, the more likely the HPV virus will go away on its own.

But many women don't like the idea of waiting longer about a matter that can be life-threatening.

"I just think prevention is the best," said Courtney O'Neil. "And if you know, if I have something, I want to know as soon as possible."

Pam Marty of Upper Marlboro proudly wears two cancer bracelets. She's had both cervical and breast cancer. This week's news on mammograms and pap tests has her worried.

"I think it's a concern because some of the cancer is very slow and some of it isn't," Marty said.

Several women reported feeling shortchanged this week based on their gender.

"I haven't heard anything about prostate cancer," Erica Roberts, a Laurel resident, joked.

"This is a coincidence. But I think it's bad timing because it does seem to send a message to women," Dr. Savard said. "I am worried that for older women, women getting it every other year , every three years, they could fall through the cracks."

The health debate has become a political one for some who question if this is a sign of what is to come with health reform.

"I will say that I think cost does matter in health care," Dr. Savard said. "And we're increasingly going to see experts look at the things that we do, look at costs, and make sure those costs are worth it." 

Dr. Gaba said she's concerned these guidelines will lead to women ignoring their annual pelvic exams. She says even though women may start getting fewer pap smears, their doctors will still want to see them once a year for a variety of other issues.

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