Older Women and Pap Smears

Pap Smears are not just for the young

The Pap smear is a vital test for all women. The test can detect abnormal cervical changes long before they become cancerous. There are many myths and misconceptions about the Pap smear, including the myth that older women do not need to have the test done. However, this is untrue; most older women do need to continue with regular Pap smears.

The Average Age a Women is Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer is 35-55.

Women between the ages of 35 and 55 are more commonly diagnosed with cervical cancer than any other age. Cervical cancer is a slow-developing disease, and can take years to develop. Remember, a Pap smear can detect these changes before they turn into cancer. This makes cervical cancer highly preventable.

The Pap Smear is Covered by Most Insurance Plans, Including Medicare

Medicare allows for a Pap smear to be performed ever 24 months for beneficiaries. If previous Pap smears were abnormal or you are at high risk for cervical cancer, a Pap test is covered every 12 months.

Medicare recipients do not have to pay lab fees, but they are responsible for 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount with no Part-B deductible for the exam and smear collection.

Most private insurance companies cover the Pap smear, depending on your plan. Check with your insurance company for coverage details.

Women Who Have Gone Through Menopause May Still Need a Pap Smear

Post-menopausal women may need to have a regular Pap smear. This depends on age, risk factor, and findings from previous Pap smears.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women older than 70 who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may decide, after talking with their clinician, to stop having Pap smears performed.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends an individualized approach, taking into consideration a woman’s history and risk factors.

Women Who Have Had Hysterectomies May Also Need Pap Smears

If you have had a partial or total hystectomy, you may need to continue having regular Pap smears. This is especially true if you had a hysterectomy due to cancer treatment or a condition related to cancer.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue to have routine Pap smears.

Now is the Time to Get a Pap Smear if You Have Never Had One

If you have never had a Pap smear, or it has been years since your last test, a Pap smear is highly recommended.

The Pap smear is a highly effective screening tool for cervical cancer. Changes can occur in the cervix without your knowledge. Dysplasia and early cervical cancer do not usually produce any noticeable symptoms. This is why the Pap smear is essential for cervical health and the prevention and detection of cervical cancer.

Sources:

1. "Your Medicare Benefits." Medicare.gov. September 2006. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Acessed 4 Dec 2006.
   
2. "Cervical Cancer Screening: Testing Can Start Later and Occur Less Often Under New ACOG Recommendations ." ACOG NEWS RELEASE. 21 July 2003. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed 4 Dec 2006.
   
3. "Key Statistics About Cervical Cancer." 08 Aug 2006. American Cancer Society. Accessed 6 Dec 2006.