Cancer Screening Rates

Two new reports by the CDC show that more younger women, up to age 30, are getting recommended Pap tests, however 60% of women continue to get Pap tests even after a total hysterectomy. Meg Watson, an epidemiologist with the CDC, details the current recommendation for screening. “Appropriate cervical screening takes place from age 21 to 65, every three years.” Watson explains what women need to do.  “If you had a hysterectomy and your doctor is still continuing to screen ask why?” Women who don’t need screenings may still be getting them, explains Watson. “Women just have this habit of coming in for screenings and sometimes doctors are just used to doing those same checks for women and maybe the doctors want to continue to see the women on an annual basis.” Watson explains why many women don’t need screenings.  “Most of the time when women have a hysterectomy they take out the cervix, so cervical cancer screening in the absence of a cervix doesn’t usually make sense.” Talk to your doctor to see if you still need to be screened for cervical cancer.