Pap Smears and Older Women

Pap smears are not just for the young. Many older women have the misconception that they no longer need Pap smears, however it is untrue. Many older women do need Pap smears!

The Pap smear is a highly effective screening and prevention tool for cervical cancer. Since cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over 35, older women need to the know the facts about the test!

Read: "What Older Women Need to Know About the Pap Smear"

_{Photo (c)Tolga Kostak}

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What Every Woman Needs to Know About the Pap Smear

The new approval of the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, is great news in the world of cervical cancer prevention. However, the vaccine is only effective for women who have not yet been exposed to HPV. It is not a method of treatment for women who are currently infected with HPV. Considering millions of women are infected, what is the best way women can prevent cervical canccer if they have HPV?

The simple answer is the Pap smear. Getting a regular pap smear is essential for womens' gynecological health. A Pap smear can detect cervical changes before they turn cancerous!

As many of you may know, cervical cancer is an issue that really hits home for me, so I have made it a goal to spread the word about the importance of having the Pap test performed on a regular basis!

The test is covered by almost all insurance plans, including MedicAid and Medicare. If you do not have health insurance, there are many low cost clinics that will perforn the test for free or at a low cost. The average self-pay cost at a doctor's office is $50.00.

Please, ladies, remember to have the Pap done regularly- it just may save your life!

Related:
The Pap Smear: What to Expect During a Pap Smear
How Often A Women Should Have a Pap Smear
Tips for an Accurate Pap Smear

_{Photo (c) Anissa Thompson}