One pap too many

A survey of primary care physicians has revealed that many doctors are not following recommended guidelines regarding the frequency of cervical cancer screening. In fact, primary care doctors are performing unnecessary Pap smears on patients. The New York Times reported that only about 20 percent of more than 1,200 primary care physicians who participated in a survey are actually following recommendations put forth by the American Cancer Society and other similar organizations.

It’s important to be screened regularly, but why undergo unnecessary screenings? After the age of 30, women who have had normal test results for three consecutive screenings do not need to be screened on a yearly basis. The recommendation is these women should be tested every two to three years. As always, it’s best to be informed and to take command of your own health.

This was posted on Friday, November 6th, 2009 and is filed in the Patient Care categories.