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Pap Smears
August 16, 2007
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Annual exams that include testing for cervical cancer save thousands of women’s
lives in the United States every year.
Clinical coordinator Monica Sebastian explains that women in their 20’s and 30’s
are typically pretty good about getting their annual gynecologic exams and pap tests.
But older women often assume they’re not at risk for gynecologic cancers – especially
if they’ve had a hysterectomy. “It’s amazing to me how many women have had hysterectomies
do not come in for yearly pap smears.”
Gynecologist Lawrence Antonucci says that pap smears test for potentially cancerous
cells not only on the uterus but also on the cervix. Even women who’ve had a hysterectomy
and had their uterus removed; need to have regular pap smears. “Women who have a
cervix should continue to get regular pap smears.”
Dr. Antonucci also says that even women in their seventies and eighties are still
encouraged to undergo this simple test. “These abnormalities although less likely
as you get older, do occur.”
Monica adds that aging is inevitable but physicians tells you can never be too careful
when it comes to follow ups post surgery. “For the best in women’s healthcare, women
who have had hysterectomies still should continue annual pap smears.”
Physicians recommend that
all women should start having annual gynecologic exams
and pap smears once they become sexually active.
The results from a pap smear are
usually returned in 7-10 days.
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