LOS ANGELES — The American Cancer Society has announced its support for a significant evolution in cervical cancer screening protocols, potentially reducing the frequency of Pap smears for women.
This new recommendation advocates for women to collect their own samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, signifying a notable shift in the screening landscape across the United States. The self-collection process can be performed either at home or within a clinical setting.
“This method offers greater convenience as it allows women to conduct the test at home, eliminating the discomfort or distress that some individuals associate with traditional exams,” explained Dr. La Tanya Hines, an OB-GYN affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw. “Unfortunately, some patients have difficult histories with gynecological examinations.”
Healthcare professionals like nurses Monica Schmerber and Stephanie Munguia regularly conduct cervical cancer screenings, and the option to perform a Pap smear independently is seen as a substantial advantage.
“For those of us who are constantly working, this self-testing process is incredibly convenient,” remarked Schmerber.
Furthermore, self-collection kits provide an opportunity for women who face barriers in accessing medical facilities to participate in essential health screenings.
“Cervical cancer screening is going down, and that has everything to do with access,” said Hines.
But in the event of an abnormal result, doctors say follow-up is key.
“If there’s anything you know that pops up then you’re able to go in and of course address it,” said Schmerber.
The American Cancer Society said screening for cervical cancer should start at age 25 if you’re at average risk and continue until age 65. Women should do it every three to five years depending on the test.
To cease HPV screening, the new guidelines require more stringent criteria, including a history of negative test results.
“They need to be negative for HPV and that you have no other symptomatic issues there. If that’s true, no more pap smears after age 65,” said Hines.
That’s because cervical cancer risk drops in your 60s. About 13,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly with roughly 4,000 deaths.
Even if you don’t need a yearly pap smear, doctors say women should get annual pelvic exams as part of their wellness check.
“It’s something that I just have to cross off my list every year and get it done,” said Stephanie Munguia of Winnetka.
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