| Home > Site Map > Recommendations > F > Female-Specific Cancer Screening |
CERVICAL CANCER Women who are over 18 or sexually active and who have a cervix should have annual Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. If the results are normal for three or more consecutive tests, they may be performed at the discretion of the physician, not less than every 3 years. A Pap smear is a test that checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. Pap smears are not 100% accurate. "False-negative" results occasionally appear: normal cell growth is indicated by the test when in fact abnormal cells are present. False-negative tests can occur for several reasons, for example no abnormal cells being contained in the sample, or too many or too few cells being present to allow an accurate reading. An infection could also cover up abnormal cells. If a Pap smear is performed on a regular basis, the chances of a problem going undetected are much lower. Do not have intercourse within twenty-four hours of the test because it could cause inaccurate test results. A Pap smear only takes a few moments to collect and is a part of a routine pelvic examination. You will be asked to lie on your back, with your knees bent and feet apart. Your clinician will use a special swab, brush or stick to wipe off cells from inside the opening of the cervix and from the outer part of the cervix. If the cells appear normal, no treatment is necessary. If an infection is present, treatment is prescribed. If the cells appear abnormal, more tests may be necessary and, depending on the severity of the dysplasia, treatment should begin. The frequency of the Pap smear test can vary from every six months to every three years depending on a woman's risk level. These factors include age at the time of first sexual intercourse; having (had) multiple sex partners; a history of herpes infection or venereal warts; previously abnormal Pap smears. Unfortunately fewer than 49% of all women take the test. Most guidelines recommend that screening begin when a woman becomes sexually active or by age 18-21. Because mortality increases with advancing age it seems imprudent not to screen older women. |
| Need For Routine Preventative Health Measures |