Pap Test: One of Medicine's Best Success Stories

Tuesday, April 29, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — It is time to schedule a Pap test? There are new guidelines on how often to have this test for cervical cancer, according to the May issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Most women should have a Pap test annually until age 30. After age 30, you can have a Pap test every two to three years if you have three normal tests in a row and if you're not at increased risk for cervical cancer. After age 70, some women can stop Pap tests. Check with your doctor to find out more about the recommendations, which could vary depending on your risks.

One fact doesn't vary. Getting a regular Pap test pays off. Since the test was introduced 50 years ago, deaths from cervical cancer have dropped 70 percent. About half of the cervical cancers diagnosed in the United States occur in women who've never had a Pap test, and another 10 percent occur in women who haven't been screened within the past five years.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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