Although
cervical cancer is the 2nd highest cancer in women in the world, its
number has decreased markedly with advancement of cervical cytology (pap
smear). In the last a few years, HPV (Human
Papilloma viruses) testing has been promoted to reduce the number even more
with less frequent of doctor visit.
The
current recommendation is to start pap smear at age 21 years old. From age 21 to age 30
years old , pap smear should be done every 3 years. You still need
to come for pelvic exam yearly. From age
30 to 65 years old, your doctor may recommend pap smear every 3 years or contesting
(pap smear and HPV testing) every 5 years.
Younger people tends to be more sexually active, thus, having more
HPV. Fortunately, most of HPV infections
go away on their own. This is the reason
on not testing women younger than age 30 years old.
There are some fears that changing the frequency of pap smear from yearly to every 3 -5 years may miss some cancers. Unfortunately, we do miss cancer. But the risks of doing pap smear annually seems to be greater than every 3-5 years: excess procedures, cost, etc.
The pap
smear guideline continues to change.
Thus, discuss it with your health care providers.
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