No more Pap smears?

[Notta]

A new report states that DNA screening for human papilloma viruses is more effective than annual Pap smears in detecting cervical cancer.

The New York Times. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07virus.html?em)
A new DNA test for the virus that causes cervical cancer does so much better than current methods that some gynecologists hope it will eventually replace the Pap smear in wealthy countries and cruder tests in poor ones.

Not only could the new test for human papillomavirus, or HPV, save lives; scientists say that women over 30 could drop annual Pap smears and instead have the DNA test just once every 3, 5 or even 10 years, depending on which expert is asked.

Since 1987, the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended Pap smears only every three years after initial negative ones. In 2002, they recommended the HPV test too, and evidence is mounting that the Pap smear can be dropped.

“But we haven’t been able to get doctors to go along,” Dr. Salsow said. “The average gynecologist, especially the older ones, says, ‘Women come in for their Pap smear, and that’s how we get them in here to get other care.’ We’re totally overscreening, but when you’ve been telling everyone for 40 years to get an annual Pap smear, it’s hard to change.”

I've been in a monogamous relationship almost my ENTIRE LIFE, and have been having the damned things every single year since I was 16, because all of my physicians have demanded I get one. I'd be elated to drop them for a DNA test every five or so years.

[Christina]

This would be great. My doctor only demands one once every few years for monogamous women my age but it would be great not to have to do it at all. Now if they could only come up with a replacement for mammograms I would be very happy.

[Brianna]

This would be great. My doctor only demands one once every few years for monogamous women my age but it would be great not to have to do it at all. Now if they could only come up with a replacement for mammograms I would be very happy.

I don't have a history of breast cancer in my family. My doctor recommends self exams every month and a breast exam every 3-5 years.

[Notta]

This would be great. My doctor only demands one once every few years for monogamous women my age but it would be great not to have to do it at all. Now if they could only come up with a replacement for mammograms I would be very happy.They have a breast sonogram and a breast MRI, but I would bet that most hospitals don't have the equipment yet. Plus, insurance policies probably wouldn't cover screenings with those tests.

I have breast cancer in my family, and have had mammograms every 2 years for a decade, then every single year for the next 12 years for screening. Since my mother just died 2 years ago from complications related to breast cancer at the age of 78, I'm vigilant about screenings.

Pap smears, though? I started them at 16 when I became sexually active, and have had the stupid things every single year since (and I'm in my 50s) except while I was pregnant (and had to have one at my 6-week check-up), and even though I can claim monogamy, my physician still insists on a yearly one.

[Christina]

Mine doesn't have the equipment yet and I doubt that my insurance would cover it if it did. They always insist on whatever is the cheapest procedure. Not that I'm complaining because they cover everything else that I need and I pay very little for it through my retirement plan.

[Barefoot Bree]

I have cystic breasts - I get benign cysts that come and go every few months. Therefore, I am advised to get a yearly mammogram. But inevitably, the doc sees some cysts (or I tell him about them ahead of time) and I always have to have a sonogram as well. Why the hell can't I just skip the damn mammogram and just go for the sonogram? It's one HELL of a lot less painful.

Doesn't help that I have a new doc each time. Hazard of the job - driving trucks long distance makes it impossible to set and meet an appointment. I have to find a walk-in clinic wherever I happen to be on or about my birthday. Someday I hope to settle down and have A regular doctor. Then maybe we can come to terms.

[Loren Pechtel]

I'm not at all sure this is the right approach.

The thing is, even if it's more reliable that doesn't mean it should replace the pap smear. The thing is, the tests are coming at it from different directions. If you don't have the offending strains of HPV then you're not getting HPV-caused cancer but you still can get cancer from other causes and the DNA test will give no warning.

[Garnet]

This just pisses me off:

We’re totally overscreening, but when you’ve been telling everyone for 40 years to get an annual Pap smear, it’s hard to change.”

God dammit! Stop over screening me! It costs money and takes up my time! I've been bitching at my doctors about this for years. Every time they order a test, my first question is, "Is it necessary?" I've ended up refusing several tests because of the answer.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Back to the OP. I just had the HPV test last week. My ob-gyn is right on board with it. If it comes back negative, I'll only be going in for a poke and prod once every three years.

[sohy]

I think it's still recommended that we have a yearly pelvic and rectal exam. That's when all the poking and prodding is done. The pap smear is the easy part. Who knows if it's really necessary, especially in post menopausal women. Most of us do these things because we're afraid there may be consequences if we don't. Doctor's are often very resistant to change too.