Behind the screen Aug 23, 2008
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show cervical cancer deaths in Australia a year dropped from four to two per 100,000 women in the 20 to 69 age group, between 1991, when the the pap smear program was introduced - it detects treatable pre-cancerous abnormalities as well as cancer - and 2005. But more than 700 high-grade abnormalities are found per 100,000 women screened. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cervical Cancer Prevention Should Focus On Vaccinating Adolescent Girls, Report Says Aug 22, 2008
Cervical cancer prevention in the U.S. has traditionally relied on a screening program involving frequent cytology (Pap smear) and/or HPV DNA testing, recommended annually or biennially for sexually-active women. HPV vaccination raises questions regarding the age at which to vaccinate females, target groups for temporary catch-up programs, and appropriate changes to screening practices. (Science Daily)
Mobile mammograms in Haines on Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 Aug 21, 2008
If you also are due for your women's health exam, including your Pap smear and heart health screening, please let the Haines Health Center know so sufficient time is scheduled for you to have this done. Women with no insurance and/or a limited income may be eligible for a free clinical breast exam, mammogram and heart health screening. (Juneau Empire)
Mobile mammogram van on Prince of Wales Sept. 26 to Oct. 13 Aug 21, 2008
Women with no insurance and/or a limited income may be eligible for a free clinical breast exam, mammogram, Pap test and heart health screening. To find out if you qualify, call Mary Dinon of ARMC at 907-755-4946. (Juneau Empire)
Study Questions Cost-Effectiveness Of Gardisil Cervical-Cancer Vaccine Aug 21, 2008
Screening via Pap smear is recommended for women who are sexually active, even with the availability of Gardasil. The screenings can detect pre-cancerous lesions that can be removed; the availability of these tests has helped reduce the cervical-cancer death rate in the U.S. dramatically since the 1950s. (Wall Street Journal)
Researchers Question Wide Use of HPV Vaccines Aug 21, 2008
In particular, the researchers say the vaccines will be worth the cost only if they prove to protect girls for a lifetime, and if current methods for screening for cervical cancer using Pap smears can be safely adjusted to reduce costs there ... In developed countries, Pap smear screening and treatment have effectively reduced cervical cancer death rates to very low levels already ... Because the vaccine prevents infection with only some of the cancer-causing strains, Pap smear screening must... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Merck's Gardasil Vaccine Not Worth the Cost for Women in 20s, Study Says Aug 21, 2008
The researchers compared the $300 price of the vaccine and other expenses involved in getting the shot along with regular pap smears to the cost of pap smears. A pap smear, which detects abnormal cell change that could signify cervical cancer, costs about $38 ... To measure the health benefit of the vaccine the researchers looked at the cost savings from averting cervical cancer with the vaccine and pap smears compared with averting cancer using just pap smears. (Bloomberg -- US)
Cervical cancer vaccine is popular, but fails to cure doubts Aug 20, 2008
Although cervical cancer kills close to 300,000 women a year globally, pap smears and follow-up treatment limit the death toll in countries with good medical care: 3,600 in the U.S., 1,000 in France and 400 in Britain annually ... A major killer in the developing world, particularly Africa, where the vaccines are too expensive for use, cervical cancer is almost always preventable through regular Pap smears that detect precancerous cells effectively ... Indeed, because the vaccines prevent only... (International Herald Tribune)
Drug Makers' Push Leads to Cancer Vaccines' Fast Rise Aug 20, 2008
A major killer in the developing world, particularly Africa, where the vaccines are too expensive for use, cervical cancer is classified as very rare in the West because it is almost always preventable through regular Pap smears, which detect precancerous cells early enough for effective treatment. Indeed, because the vaccines prevent only 70 percent of cervical cancers, Pap smear screening must continue anyway ... The coalition, which supports widespread use of the cervical cancer vaccines, is... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
TWO VIEWS: Long waits, outdated medicine, rationing an import we don't need Aug 17, 2008
Consider some recent news stories reported by leading British newspapers: From London's Daily Mail: Twice Katie asked for a Pap smear test, but was told she was "too young" to need one. Now 24, she is dying from cervical cancer, one of many young women who have fallen victim to a scandalous change in health policy. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
More Whittlesea women shirk Pap tests Aug 12, 2008
MORE than 40 per cent of Whittlesea women are risking their health by failing to get regular Pap tests ... MORE than 40 per cent of Whittlesea women are risking their health by failing to get regular Pap tests ... " "We know time can be a barrier for some women, but keep in mind Pap tests are a simple procedure, and only take a couple of minutes," Ms Rawlings said."Women need a reminder to have a Pap test. (Whittlesea Leader)
Early Test for Cancer Isn't Always Best Course Aug 12, 2008
But the reality is that while some cancer screening tests like the Pap smear for cervical cancer or mammography for breast cancer clearly save lives, the benefits of other screening tests are less clear. Studies of lung cancer screening, for instance, have failed to prove that it prolongs life. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Cervical cancer vaccine boost Aug 11, 2008
The register shares its Carlton headquarters with the Victorian Cytology Service, which has analysed Pap test results since 1989 ... Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said it was important for women to realise the vaccine protected against only two forms of HPV, so those vaccinated should continue to get Pap tests every two years. (The Age)
How to Organise Family Medical Reco... Aug 10, 2008
pap smear and breast exam. skin cancer/mole check. (Suite101.com)
2 p.m.: Muscatine jury awards damages to woman in case against former lover (3262) Aug 7, 2008
She and Evans engaged in sexual contact in January 2005, and Rossiter said she had an abnormal pap smear one year later. Rossiter said Evans later admitted he had. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Letters for Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Jul 29, 2008
A woman s regular yearly exam (Pap Test) does not test for STDs, it is only a screening test for cervical cancer. If you are sexually active, it is important to see your doctor and ask specifically to be tested for STDs even if you feel fine. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Pharmacy Guild urges looser rules on repeat prescriptions Jul 24, 2008
"That's an unnecessary visit. The women's groups tell us that there's no added test, there's no blood pressure being taken, there's no pap smear needed, because they're having those tests regularly and so it is an efficiency called for by women's groups." ... And this can coincide with a general check up, pap smear etc ... 2 years of prescriptions for the pill is a great idea - each time you go back to refill, you know it's also time for a pap smear. (ABC Online)
J.R. LABBE: Still putting off that colonoscopy exam? Jul 24, 2008
Avoiding a procedure that could save one's life is admittedly strange behavior for a woman who faithfully gets her annual Pap smear and mammogram and obsesses over the cholesterol counts that are part of the mini-physicals Carter BloodCare performs every time I give blood - about four times a year. But something about the screening process was decidedly off-putting. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Don't fall down on receiving regular cancer screeings Jul 19, 2008
TESTS: The Papanicolaou screening test (Pap test). FREQUENCY: Screening should be done every year with conventional Pap tests or every two years using liquid-based Pap tests. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Facts of (Relay for) Life - The Triple Crown Jul 17, 2008
The first stage of my Triple Crown was the very popular annual physical which comes complete with the always fun and exhilarating Pap Smear. I love lying on a short bed with my backside hanging off the end while my legs are up in the air and my feet are resting in metal "foot holders" covered with plastic bags. (Grand Coulee Star, WA)
New test finds risks for breast cancer before lump appears Jul 17, 2008
The test is called the breast pap test and it's done by a HALO machine that works and feels like a breast pump used by breast feeding mothers to extract milk. It's the only one of its kind in the state. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Gardasil Safety: Questions and Answers Jul 13, 2008
A pap test is used to find abnormal cells that may lead to cancer. The test isnt always accurate but now theres a new option. (WebMD)
Women invest in health at Chester fair Jul 13, 2008
The day-long program included workshops on breast health/cancer, stress reduction and nutrition followed by free gynecological exams, mammograms and Pap smear screenings to Keystone Mercy Health Plan members and free various tests to non-members ... "We don't know what's going on inside of our bodies, so this is very helpful," she said, referring to the event at the hospital at 2600 W. Ninth St. Joanna Adams, 57, of Chester, a cervical-cancer survivor, said she received a cholesterol screening... (The Delaware County Times, PA)
The fight of their lives Jul 13, 2008
These services include distribution of birth control, Pap smears, breast exams, annual check-ups for women and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections for both men and women ... These procedures are the medical diagnostic procedure and treatment of an abnormal pap smear, respectively ... "If someone has an abnormal pap smear, we are actually able to follow up on that in house and treat that for them here." Page 1 of 3. (The Battalion, TX)
Five Tips to Goof-Proof Your Health Care Jul 8, 2008
My former secretary was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer requiring a hysterectomy because she never received the news that her Pap test was abnormal and needed further testing. She would have needed much less invasive treatment just one year earlier. (ABC News)
EDITORIAL: Louisiana's neglected children Jun 29, 2008
In one case, a child who had an abnormal pap smear didn't receive a follow-up test for more than nine months. Another who had cavities at a dental exam in September still had not received treatment by December. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Cervical cancer a silent killer Jun 29, 2008
A regular pap smear can detect the disease at an early stage and a surgery can prevent untimely death ... Experts say it is primary prevention while pap smear is secondary. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Pap Smears Less Common In Obese Women Jun 27, 2008
Researcher Raj Padwal said that while body mass index didn't have an effect on breast or colon cancer screening, the rate of women having a Pap smear decreased as BMI went up. "Obese women are 30 to 40 percent less likely -- depending on the degree of obesity -- to have recommended cervical cancer screening performed," Padwal said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Bishops urge Albertans to research HPV Jun 24, 2008
The Canadian Women's Health Network has suggested a Pap smear may be a better choice to screen for cervical cancer until more is known about the long-term effects and duration of the vaccine. The Canadian Medical Association has also raised questions and suggests Pap tests as an alternative until more is known about the vaccine's effectiveness. (Globe and Mail)
Gear up against cancer Jun 22, 2008
Regular Pap tests are essential for early detection. Most invasive cervical cancers (between 60 per cent and 80 per cent) are found in women who have not had a Pap test within the past 5 years ... Pap test is a simple, painless, inexpensive test which can be performed in the outdoor clinic within 10 minutes. (Times of India)
Doctors Not Telling Women About Plan B Jun 21, 2008
Even when women saw a gynecologist for a Pap test or pelvic exam, only 4% received emergency-contraception counseling, find University of Pittsburgh researchers Megan L. Kavanaugh, DrPH, and Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD.. "A lot of women, and the American public in general, are very misinformed about what emergency contraception is, how to use it, and how to access it," Kavanaugh tells WebMD. "Yet counseling about emergency contraception really is missing from the clinical encounter, especially for... (CBS News)
Screen system catches sex bug Jun 20, 2008
Weve only just introduced guidelines to automatically screen women when they come in for a pap smear, so it might take a few of years for the message to get out and for women to come in for screening. . (Australian Star)
Endometrial Biopsy Jun 20, 2008
The procedure is much like a pap smear. However, the patient may experience cramping during (and up to a day or two after) the biopsy. (Suite101.com)
New heart center gives women chance to change their odds Jun 18, 2008
"A women goes to her gynecologist and has a Pap smear, a mammogram, maybe her blood pressure checked, but no other tests. ... As for seeing a [primary care physician], either women don't go there or they only go in for acute problems.". Meanwhile, she added, "there are certain unique populations among women that are extremely prone to developing early coronary-artery disease." They include women who have a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, polycystic ovarian... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
When to Visit the Gynecologist Jun 17, 2008
The gynecologist will find out if the menstrual cycle is regular, will do a pap smear (which checks for human papillomavirus, a contagious sexually transmitted disease), will inform about birth control, do a baseline breast exam, and answer any gynecological questions ... A pap smear from the cervix can also be taken ... It is important to visit the gynecologist yearly for a preventative checkup which includes a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and a pap smear. (Suite101.com)
Obese women in Canada are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer Jun 17, 2008
While 82 per cent of women said they had a pap smear in the past three years, testing decreased as BMI levels increased ... Padwal says the results also showed obese women are two times more likely than normal-weight women to state that fearincluding fear of pain, embarrassment or of finding something wrongwas the reason they did not have a pap smear ... "I am reassured that for mammograms and colorectal cancer screening, the presence of obesity doesn't impact their use, which is different... (EurekAlert!)
Health InfoCenter Jun 10, 2008
For more information on the free pap smear clinic put on by the Hicks Foundation. For more information on Body Dysmorphic Disorder. (WCAX.com, VT)
Creating a cancer-free world for women Jun 8, 2008
For the past 60 years, the main test for the disease in industrialised countries has been the pap smear, in which laboratory personnel visually examine cervical cells under a microscope ... Recently, however, scientists have developed a test that can directly detect the presence of HPV. This HPV test is far more sensitive than the pap smear and has the potential to save many more lives. (Hindu)
Week, screenings focus on men's health Jun 8, 2008
Women visit the clinic on an annual basis for their pap smear exams and other screenings, but men are less likely to come in for a yearly exam, Stark said. "If we see 20 to 30 women a week, we probably see only two to three men," Stark said. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
GenX Files: My solemn spin on Memorial Day Jun 5, 2008
My last words to her on the phone that day were not only to get a mammogram, but you might as well get a pap smear while you re at it. We both agreed that rather than dwell on all that our family lost much too soon, we want to focus on what we have. (Harwich Oracle, MA)
Is an Annual Physical Really Necessary? Jun 5, 2008
Things like mammograms, pap smears, PSA testing, those are considered preventive care procedures and there's a clear evidence base that these are very important for patients to receive ... A pap smear, maybe a cholesterol screening and similarly come up with guidelines for other age groups, and really focus on those key services we think are important. (Time.com)
Campaign to drive home diabetes is a killer disease Jun 2, 2008
Through a bulk purchase by HPB, the cost of the laboratory tests is 8 for the blood test to screen for diabetes and lipid disorders, and 10 for Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer for female patients. To date, 728 GP clinics are taking part in the CDMP. - CNA/ir. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
MARY SANCHEZ: What Hillary represents - A generation gap May 31, 2008
My friends and I could go to the university clinic and have a pap smear, be given accurate information about sexually transmitted diseases, and be prescribed the pill if we wanted it. With apologies to Helen Reddy, I am woman but I don't want to roar. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Women advised to continue pap tests May 26, 2008
BY KEELY BELL 26/05/2008 10:29:00 AM Dubbo medical professionals are up in arms after a well-known senior doctor was reported as saying Australian women are wasting their time getting pap smears every two years. Former director of the NSW cervical cancer screening program Dr Gerry Wain was reported as applauding the drop in young women getting regular pap smears ... She said all women should have a pap smear every two years as the best preventative measure against cervical cancer. (Dubbo Daily Liberal)
Pap smear criticisms anger doctors, cancer groups May 24, 2008
MARK COLVIN: A call for changes to Australia's pap smear program has left some in the cancer field scratching their heads. The former director of the New South Wales Cervical Screening Program Gerry Wain says women aged under 24 should not bother getting a pap test, and Dr Wain says pap smears should be conducted every three years, not the recommended two years ... Cancer support groups, survivors of cervical cancer and even oncologists are angry at the suggestion that pap smears for young women... (ABC Online)
The MOTHERS Act: Thalidomide Revisited? May 24, 2008
The MOTHERS Act: Thalidomide Revisited. The MOTHERS Act: Thalidomide Revisited. (PR Newswire)
Fewer women having pap smears: report May 23, 2008
Health experts are warning young women not to stop having pap smear tests just because cervical cancer vaccinations are available ... AIHW's Christine Sturrock says it is worrying that the number of young women getting pap smears continues to decline. (ABC Online)
UNC study firms up promise of potential new cervical cancer screening tool May 22, 2008
Currently, Pap smear tests are widely used in screening programs aimed at detecting changes in the cervix before a cancer develops ... In the future, measuring persistence of HPV infection may optimize screening for cervical cancer by increasing sensitivity while maintaining comparable specificity to Pap smear testing, Smith said. (EurekAlert!)
Passion helps bind Hologic and Cytyc May 18, 2008
Bedford-based Hologic was already the biggest supplier of mammography machines to detect breast cancer, while Cytyc was a major supplier of pap smear tests to spot cervical cancer. Together, they have $1. (Boston Globe)
From the Henry-Stark County Health Departments May 17, 2008
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to clients, including a breast exam and pap smear. The clinic accepts Medicaid payments and private pay. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
HPV Testing Offers Women Protection For Twice As Long As Smear Testing May 16, 2008
6, 2006) The best initial cervical cancer screening tool for younger women is still the traditional Pap smear. However, a large Danish study has found that for older women (age 40 and older), a test for human. (Science Daily)
Think right, move right May 15, 2008
I wonder how many women dusty has murdered by marking their pap smears normal so she could hurry back to this blog to post her right wing hate speach ... I m beginning to think YOU need a Pap smear. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Gifts for mom on time, anytime of the year May 14, 2008
If you really love your moms, mamas, mothers, nanas, nannies, grannies, grandmas, memas, and aunties, one of the best gifts you can give them is an appointment for a mammogram and a pap smear. Why. (Brewton Standard, AL)
Cancer doesn't discriminate May 13, 2008
-- Cancer is the leading cause of death for female Asian Americans, yet a significant number of Korean Americans have never even heard of the Pap test. Raising awareness is an ongoing challenge that we must all rise to - first by urging our loved ones, friends and colleagues to get screened for cancer, then by making appointments for ourselves, and finally addressing the systemic barriers that keep people from accessing care. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Five Key Tests for Women May 12, 2008
2) Pap test for cervical cancer prevention. A woman should have her first Pap test within three years of the onset of sexual intercourse or at age 21 ... If you are 30 or older, experts recommend you have the HPV test at the same time as your Pap test. (Newsmax)
HPV vaccine: What doctors do not tell you May 11, 2008
8) HPV vaccine can't replace Pap smear screening. Pap smear is highly effective in finding cervical cancer in its early stage and effectively reduces the risk for women to die from this disease ... But the government and doctors as well warn that after you receive this HPV vaccine, you still have to do Pap smear. (Food Consumer)
Paying the price for flexibility May 10, 2008
"They put off annual pap smear and prostate checks because they do not have control of their time.". Pocock says it is important to delineate between casuals who have a good boss with a genuine reciprocal relationship, and those that don't. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Weill Cornell Medical College Announces First Commencement of Its New Medical School Graduates in Doha, Qatar, May 8, 2008 May 7, 2008
Weill Cornell is the birthplace of many medical advances-from the development of the Pap test for cervical cancer to the synthesis of penicillin, the first successful embryo-biopsy pregnancy and birth in the U.S., the world's first clinical trial for gene therapy for Parkinson's disease, and, most recently, the first indication of bone marrow's critical role in tumor growth. For more information, visit. (PR Newswire)
Inquiry into NB flawed pathology tests hears first witness May 6, 2008
The review cited 546 missing Pap smear slides between 2000 and 2004 and noted that out of 12 "problem cases" concerning pathological tests, six included "major diagnostic discrepancies.". The report also chastised Menon for "inordinately long" turn-around time. (Canada.com)
B.C. to offer free HPV vaccine to Grade 6 girls May 6, 2008
Regular pap smear exams have been the main way to cut cervical cancer rates among women. Nicole Adams, spokeswoman for the B.C. Cancer Agency, said that for the first time this year the agency has set up 10 clinics in Vancouver, Abbotsford, New Westminster, Langley and Surrey for women to get a pap smear without booking an appointment ... We know there's a lot of barriers to women getting a regular pap smear, Adams said, citing lack of a family doctor as one of them. (Globe and Mail)
Mothers less likely to pursue HPV vaccination for youngest daughters May 5, 2008
The survey assessed demographic factors, gynecologic history, communication with daughters about Pap screening, and mothers beliefs about Pap testing and about HPV vaccines as well as intention to vaccinate daughters of varying ages ... The CDC estimates that 11,100 new cervical cancer cases were diagnosed in 2007 and approximately 3,700 women died from cervical cancer in the U.S. Health care professionals use the Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. (EurekAlert!)
A "Gard" Against Cervical Cancer May 2, 2008
That's why annual pap smears to test for abnormal cell growth at the cervix are so important for sexually active women, and why the HPV vaccine can be so vital to saving lives, said Dr. Glover ... "That's why annual pap smears are so important," he stressed ... Women who receive the vaccine still need to visit their gynecologist once a year for a pap smear, said Dr. Glover. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
How to be a screen queen May 2, 2008
Yet almost a third of American women haven t seen their regular doctor or had a mammogram or a Pap test in the past year, according to a survey by the National Women s Health Resource Center. Of those. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Screening Delay Tied to Advanced Cervical Cancer May 2, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Not having had a Pap smear taken within the recommended screening interval was the most important risk factor for advanced cervical cancer observed during an audit of Sweden's cervical cancer screening program. Sweden's guidelines advise Pap smear screening every 3 years between the ages of 23 and 60, and every 5 years for women between the ages of 51 and 60 ... There had been some question as to whether women below age 30 should be screened, and if Pap smears could... (MEDLINEplus)
Black Women May Overestimate Cancer Screening Rates May 2, 2008
Similarly, the study found, women reported higher rates of screening mammography, Pap tests for cervical cancer, and fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) for colon cancer than their medical records showed ... Nearly all of the women said they had had a Pap test at some point in their lives, but medical records showed that only 58 percent had. (MEDLINEplus)
