sponsored by Health Quest Medical Practice
Many women make it a priority to visit their gynecologist every year in order to have their annual pap smear, but it was just 10 months ago that the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists formally issued a statement saying that most women should be screened for cervical cancer no more than once every three to five years.
“The recommendation to do a pap smear every year was arbitrary and not based on scientific research" says Dr. Donna Kasello of Health Quest Medical Practice. “Basically, what the current research shows is that we have been over screening which has lead to unnecessary biopsies and procedures.”
According to Dr. Kasello, she rarely sees cervical cancer cases in her practice even through cervical cancer is on the rise world wide. That is because in the US doctors and their patients have been diligent with cervical cancer screenings and patients are treated before anything progresses to cancer. It just turns out that cervical cancer often progresses at a slow rate and therefore screening intervals can be extended.
What is a Pap test?
A Pap test, also called a Pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of a woman's cervix. Some of these changes show a pre-cancerous change in the cells and when treated it prevents these cells becoming cancerous. This screening for cervical cancer now includes HPV testing. According to Dr. Kasello, "Even if you have an Human Papilloma Virus( HPV) infection, it doesn't mean you have cervical cancer, it only means you have a risk factor for developing cervical cancer."
How is a Pap test done?
During a pelvic exam, your doctor will use a small mascara-like swab to extract sample cells from the cervix. The sample is then placed on a slide and sent to a lab for screening. Although the test is usually painless, some women experience mild discomfort during the exam.
What about HPV screening?
Prior to the new guidelines, it was widely assumed that women in their 20s should be tested for HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer. "If a woman in the 21-29 age range has a normal Pap smear, they do not require the HPV test," says Dr. Kassello. "We assume that many women in this age group will have a positive HPV test, but studies have shown that they will develop immunity to the virus."
Although HPV screenings aren't always needed for women in their 20s, new research shows women in their 30s should have the Pap and HVP test together. Doctors believe that if both tests come back negative, most women can wait from three to five years to be tested again.
Dr. Kasello cautions, "Cervical cancer is a disease of those in their 40s and 50s, so it is important for women in that age range to be tested at recommended intervals."
What are the new screening guidelines?
The following cervical cancer screening schedule is recommended:
- 21 to 65 years old: Have a Pap test every 3 to 5 years.
- 21 to 29 years old: Have a Pap smear only.
- 30 to 65 years old: Have a Pap smear plus the HVP test.
- Over 65: No screenings required.
Although research suggests less frequent Pap tests, it is still important for women to continue their wellness visits. "Remember," says Dr. Kasello, "your annual visit is more than just a Pap test. You still need to come in yearly for your OB/GYN exam."
Dr. Kasello sees patients in HQMP OBGYN Fishkill and Poughkeepsie offices and delivers babies at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
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