Did you know nearly 5000 women die from cervical cancer each year? Many more are cured because it is found early with a pap test. Pap test or pap smear test is a screening test for cancer of the cervix (the passageway between the vagina and the uterus). This procedure performed by your clinician during which a sample of cells is taken from your cervix using a small brush or swab.
Women with abnormal Pap smears are examined further for cervical problems, usually with repeat Pap smears and/or a colposcopy. The colposcopy also enables the clinician to take cell samples from suspicious-looking areas on the cervix for closer examination, called a biopsy.
Current recommendations (unless certain risk factors are present) are that for women ages 21-29: Every two years if your prior Pap smear is negative for abnormal cells and for women ages 30 and older: Every three years if your prior Pap smear is negative for abnormal cells and high-risk HPV.
I am not sure if women who underwent hysterectomy are required to do this and they say the incidence of cervical cancer in nuns is zero that is why girls who are not on the pill and are virgins do not need to undergo any gynecological exam or Pap smear test - ever. I had it once when I was pregnant and thanks God nothing was wrong. The procedure is usually painless, although some women say they did experience minor discomfort. This test it's very intrusive, costly, and sometimes can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate intervention though.
I would encourage any woman who has been sexually active to have pap smears done on a schedule that is appropriate for her level of risk, which she can discuss with her doc or if you have a family history of this cancer you should do at least once too because this test can be a life saver. If the cervical cancer caught early the cure is 100%.
Women with abnormal Pap smears are examined further for cervical problems, usually with repeat Pap smears and/or a colposcopy. The colposcopy also enables the clinician to take cell samples from suspicious-looking areas on the cervix for closer examination, called a biopsy.
Current recommendations (unless certain risk factors are present) are that for women ages 21-29: Every two years if your prior Pap smear is negative for abnormal cells and for women ages 30 and older: Every three years if your prior Pap smear is negative for abnormal cells and high-risk HPV.
I am not sure if women who underwent hysterectomy are required to do this and they say the incidence of cervical cancer in nuns is zero that is why girls who are not on the pill and are virgins do not need to undergo any gynecological exam or Pap smear test - ever. I had it once when I was pregnant and thanks God nothing was wrong. The procedure is usually painless, although some women say they did experience minor discomfort. This test it's very intrusive, costly, and sometimes can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate intervention though.
I would encourage any woman who has been sexually active to have pap smears done on a schedule that is appropriate for her level of risk, which she can discuss with her doc or if you have a family history of this cancer you should do at least once too because this test can be a life saver. If the cervical cancer caught early the cure is 100%.
No comments:
Post a Comment