January 4, 2008, Newsletter Issue #266: Revised Pap Test Guidelines

Tip of the Week

The American Cancer Society has revised its guidelines on Pap tests, recommending for the first time that women at low risk for cervical cancer donīt need them.

The revisions are designed to spare women from unnecessary, invasive medical procedures.

The new guidelines say testing isnīt needed for young women who are not sexually active; women 70 or older who have had normal Pap tests in the past; and women who have had hysterectomies for non-cancer-related reasons. They also recommend that sexually active women begin getting Pap tests within three years of the start of sexual activity, but no later than age 21.

The problem with Pap tests, according to the experts who wrote the new guidelines, is that they detect non-cancerous lesions, causing doctors to perform additional tests that needlessly worry patients, cost money and sometimes have harmful effects, such as reduced fertility.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Nurse Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Jolyn Wells-Moran