Last week the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), about which we wrote recently, weighed in with another advisory to cut back on what has long been standard gynecological practice.

As Reuters reported, although Pap smear tests are still the best practice for the prevention of cervical cancer, the USPSTF says that many women needn’t have one every year. The task force recommends the test be given every three years for most women.

Pap tests examine cells from the cervix for cancer or precancerous changes. The same cells can be used for HPV testing.