Pop In for a Pap

I was recently surprised by a headline stating "American study finds cervical cancer uncommon in HIV positive women." What? I’ve read for years that women with HIV can be more vulnerable to developing cervical cancer because HIV compromises the immune system. So I read past the headline and got the story.

It turns our that what I’ve read for years is true. Women with HIV in the study were more likely to have cervical abnormalities (unusual cells) than women who didn’t have HIV. This makes sense, given the immune system being challenged by HIV.  But being in the study meant the positive women with abnormalities got prompt treatment and that’s what led to less cervical cancer. The conclusion of the study researchers was that regularly scheduled Pap smears must be a part of care for women with HIV.

A friend of mine said she doesn’t mind having a Pap, but I’ve also talked to women who aren’t so crazy about it. My friend credits a good relationship with her doctor as a big part of why she doesn’t mind them. Like ‘em or not, we all have to have them. Lady in great red shirt on the bus? Needs a Pap. Mom with twins? Needs a Pap. Sixty-ish looking woman in corner store? Needs a Pap. Once you’re sexually active, get a Pap. Then keep on having them until your doctor says it’s okay to stop. Recommendations vary on what age this should be, but it will be many years past menopause (the end of menstruation). If you have an hysterectomy, it might be okay to stop, but not if you had a hysterectomy because of precancerous or cancerous growth. Talk to your doc.

These are the realities of our bodies: they need attention, and when they aren’t working properly, we can get sick. If you feel uncomfortable about a Pap, talk to your doctor. Ask us for support. Whatever it takes, go. It’s a simple, short test. And it could save your life.  

- Janet

This was posted on Friday, June 27th, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Body Health, Education & Resources . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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