Who needs a Pap test?
• It is important for all women to have pap tests as part of their routine health care. • There is no age limit for the Pap test. Even women who have gone through menopause need regular Pap tests. Women belonging to high-risk group should go for annual Pap test. This group includes– • Promiscuous behaviour • A history of a sexually transmitted disease • A family history of cervical cancer • A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a pre cancerous Pap test • Genital warts • Tobacco use • HIV infection • Debilitated immune system Exemption • However, ladies more than 65 with three consecutive normal Pap tests may not need to go for an extra test. • Ladies who have undergone complete hysterectomy i.e. removal of uterus and cervix do not need to go for Pap tests either. Reducing risk of cervical cancer: • Practice monogamy. • Quit smoking Pap tests are not always 100 percent correct. False positive and false negative results can happen. This can upset and confuse you. A false positive Pap test is
