Southwest District Health Director says Pap test important tool for detecting cervical cancer
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and Southwest District Public Health is observing it by reminding women of the importance of having a Pap test, which can detect changes in the cervix that can be treated before they become cancer.
“The Pap test is very effective in finding cervical cancer early, when it is highly curable,” explained Southwest District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant. “Most cervical cancer can be prevented.” A Pap test, sometimes known as a Pap smear, involves taking a cell sample from the vagina using a wooden scraper or small cervical brush.
A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) is often responsible for changes in the cervix, Grant said.
“A vaccine to protect against HPV is now available. It can prevent most cervical cancers,” she continued. “It is recommended for all 11- and 12-year-old girls. The vaccine can be given to girls and women nine through 26 years of age. Studies have shown the vaccine is safe and very effective.”
She emphasized that receiving the HPV vaccine is not a substitute for having routine cervical cancer screenings.
Each year about 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 3,600 women die from it in the U.S., Grant said.
She made the following recommendations for conventional Pap testing:
- Women should have their first Pap test within three years the onset of sexual intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age.
- Testing should be done yearly until age 30.
- Beginning at age 30, women who have had three normal Pap tests in a row may get tested every one to three years (at the discretion of their physician).
- After age 70, patients may choose to stop having Pap tests (after discussing it with their physician), if three or more recent tests are normal, and there have been no abnormal results in the last 10 years.
- After a total hysterectomy, discuss with your physician whether it is necessary to continue having Pap tests.
