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Why is it that now I've turned 50 I don't have to go as often?

Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly and takes approximately 10 - 20 years for the virus infection to develop into abnormal cervical cells, and then cervical cancer. Cervical cancer rates peak between the ages of 25-49 so you are less likely to develop the disease over 50 if you have always had normal smears. As the likelihood of developing cervical cancer is less between the ages of 50-64, cervical smears are not required as regularly. However, it is important to continue attending every 5 years until the age of 64.