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| November 10 | |
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Pap Smears |
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Today, following a study of over 128 thousand women, the Center for Disease Control agreed with the American Cancer Society that for women who have had normal Pap smears, a Pap smear every three years may be appropriate. They found that women who have had normal Pap smears ran a very low risk of finding a precancerous lesion whether they waited 9 months between Paps or 3 years. For example, women waiting 9 months to a year experience lesions at a rate of 25 per 10,000; women waiting one to two years had a rate of 29 per 10,000. And those waiting up to three years had a rate of 33 per 10,000. Less frequent screening could cut down on the number of unneeded medical tests and emotional stress caused by false positive Paps -- tests that are read as abnormal, but later found to be normal. CDC officials also state it could help save money to help more women get Pap smears who have never had one. But some doctors still worry that their patients won’t remember to return, or that an abnormality will go unnoticed for too long a time. These recommendations are only for women with normal Pap smears. Every woman should speak with her doctor about what’s most appropriate for her individual case. |
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Does this mean that women only need to go to the doctor every three years? Not necessarily. Most women should still get a yearly pelvic and breast exam. Be sure to talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you. | |
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Resources and References:
Incidence of Pap Test Abnormalities Within 3 Years of Normal Pap Test – United States, 1991-1998
Pap Smears: What, Who, Why & When |
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