In the United States alone, nearly 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and close to 4,000 of them die from the disease. Though routine exams and Pap tests are essential to early detection and thus, successful treatment, the development of the FDA approved HPV vaccine is now one of the best ways to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) actively reminds women that routine screening is key to cervical health. Approximately 11% of women in the United States report they do not have Pap test screenings and some women appear to be confused about whether continued screening is necessary after receiving the HPV vaccine.

Who Should Receive Annual Pap Test Screening

All women should begin receiving routine Pap tests by the age of 21, a woman should receive her first Pap test within two years of becoming sexually active. Conventional Pap test screening should be done annually while the newer liquid-based Pap test can be done every other year.Women over the age of 30 who have had at least three normal Pap test results in a row may choose to be tested every two to three years, unless they have certain risk factors associated with cervical cancer. Similarly, women aged 70 and older who have had 10 years of normal pap test results may choose to stop receiving screening.

Even women who have received the HPV vaccine should continue to receive routine Pap test screenings.

The NCCC reminds women every January to receive their screening test because “Early detection saves lives.” Pap test screening is a preventative measure that is covered under many health insurance plans. For women in NC, health insurance covering wellness screenings and exams is readily available. To learn more about individual NC health insurance plans that cover this and other preventative screenings, contact an authorized IBD agent. IBD offers Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina®.

Tags: Announcements, Healthy Living //