Is there a danger that women who forgo Pap testing might not have an annual gynecological exam?
Screening for cervical cancer has, for decades, been the ticket that has gotten American women into reproductive healthcare services. When we see a patient for an annual GYN exam, we do a lot more than screening for cervical cancer. We do breast exams and examine the ovaries. We talk to them about diet, nutrition and other health factors such as sexual abuse and domestic violence, if that’s appropriate, as well as sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. In older women, we talk about the transition into the menopause. So there is a lot more that goes on at the annual GYN visit than just a Pap smear and it’s important for both providers and patients to know that. So if a woman’s provider says she doesn’t need a Pap smear for another two or three years, she still may benefit from these other services.
