Pap tests being made more accessible

Staff

In an effort to reach more women in Fort Frances and surrounding area who require Pap tests, many local family doctors once again are striving to make them more accessible.
“Since October is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we have set time aside in our schedules to allow for many [tests],” noted Dr. Melanie Halvorsen, adding there will be plenty of openings available over the next few months.
A similar initiative took place last year, with Dr. Halvorsen saying she was pleased to see how many women took advantage of the openings.
“Some who hadn’t had a Pap in many years came in,” she recalled.
“And we hope to see even more people this year.”
Dr. Halvorsen stressed they really want to reach those who are over age 21 and are sexually active.
“And those who have never had a Pap, or haven’t had one in three years or more,” she added.
A Pap test, or Papanicolaou test, is a procedure that removes a small sample of cells from the cervix.
The cells are looked at under a microscope to see if they are normal or abnormal in order to screen for—and help diagnose— pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix and cervical cancer.
A Pap test also can help diagnose pre-cancerous conditions of the vagina and vaginal cancer, as well as diagnose infection and inflammation in the lower reproductive tract.
Dr. Halvorsen said there certainly are women who are not up-to-date with their Pap tests since they’re typically conducted every one-three years.
She noted all women who have been sexually active should have regular Pap tests by the time they are 21.
This includes women who have had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, women who have sex with men or women, women who have stopped having sex, and women who have had a partial hysterectomy but still have a cervix.
Dr. Halvorsen urged women who have had a total hysterectomy to talk to their doctor about whether or not they need to have regular Pap tests.
“I’d rather see them and decide you don’t need one,” she reasoned.
And while the HPV vaccine is great to have, Dr. Halvorsen said it doesn’t exclude a woman from having a Pap test.
“Sometimes women in their 60s think they don’t need them,” she noted, but added most women up until the age of 69 should be having regular Pap tests.
After the age of 69, they should talk to their doctor about whether or not they need to keep doing so.
The decision to stop often is based on a woman’s history of having normal, or negative, results.
Dr. Halvorsen said anyone who requires a Pap test can call the local clinic (274-7741) to book an appointment this fall.
She asks that patients bring along a list of their medication, medical background, and past surgeries.
Results usually are received by mail within three-four weeks.