The importance of a Pap test
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk?
Two tests can help prevent cervical cancer—
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. You should start getting Pap tests at age 21.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes..
The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screening tests starting at age 21.
If your Pap test results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. For that reason, your doctor may tell you that you will not need another Pap test for as long as three years. If you are 30 years old or older, you may choose to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. If both test results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years to have your next Pap test. But you should still go to the doctor regularly for a checkup.
For women aged 21–65, it is important to continue getting a Pap test as directed by your doctor—even if you think you are too old to have a child or are not having sex anymore. However, if you are older than 65 and have had normal Pap test results for several years, or if you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition, like fibroids, your doctor may tell you that you do not need to have a Pap test anymore.
Two HPV vaccines are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Both vaccines are recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. These vaccines also can be given to girls as young as 9 years of age. It is recommended that females get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible. It is important to note that women who are vaccinated against HPV still need to have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.
These things may also help lower your risk for cervical cancer—
Don't smoke.
Use condoms during sex.
Limit your number of sexual partners.
*HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.
Center For Disease Control And Prevention
<< Back to article index...
Two Offices conveniently located to serve you.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk?
Two tests can help prevent cervical cancer—
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. You should start getting Pap tests at age 21.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes..
The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screening tests starting at age 21.
If your Pap test results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. For that reason, your doctor may tell you that you will not need another Pap test for as long as three years. If you are 30 years old or older, you may choose to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. If both test results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years to have your next Pap test. But you should still go to the doctor regularly for a checkup.
For women aged 21–65, it is important to continue getting a Pap test as directed by your doctor—even if you think you are too old to have a child or are not having sex anymore. However, if you are older than 65 and have had normal Pap test results for several years, or if you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition, like fibroids, your doctor may tell you that you do not need to have a Pap test anymore.
Getting an HPV Vaccine
Two HPV vaccines are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Both vaccines are recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. These vaccines also can be given to girls as young as 9 years of age. It is recommended that females get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible. It is important to note that women who are vaccinated against HPV still need to have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.
More Steps to Help Prevent Cervical Cancer
These things may also help lower your risk for cervical cancer—
*HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
<< Back to article index...
Two Offices conveniently located to serve you.
MIAMI - 1880 W 49 St. Suite 510, Hialeah, FL 33012. Telephone (305) 821-4555, FAX (305) 821-4563
PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.
PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.