|
 A well-woman appointment is a once-a-year
general health exam that includes a breast and pelvic exam
that may or may not include a Pap test. It is also an opportunity
to talk with your physician, nurse practitioner or midwife
about your health. In addition to the exam, your provider
will ask a series of questions about your health and family
health history.
In January 2010, the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists (ACOG) released the following new Pap smear
guidelines:
- Women should have their first screening Pap
smear at age 21 unless the woman has had a previous abnormal
Pap smear
- Women in their 20's should have a Pap smear every
two years (assuming prior Pap smears have been normal)
- Women
age 30 and older who have had three consecutive normal
Pap smears should have a Pap smear every three years
- Women
who have had a hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons do
not need a Pap smear unless they have a cervix
Before a Pap test, avoid douching or applying vaginal creams
for two days and refrain from sexual intercourse for 24 hours.
If you have your period, you will need to reschedule the
test.
Most Pap tests yield normal results. Even an abnormal result
rarely indicates cancer; it may simply mean that you need
to be treated for an infection or retake the test.
The Preferred Pap Test
Dr. Kobren is a specialist in Abnormal Pap Smears.
Regular exams increase the odds of catching precancerous
cells before they have a chance to mutate into full-blown
cancer. For more information, call
Dr. Kobren at 516-933-8527
Breast Health
Regular, monthly breast self-exam will help you learn what
is normal for you and your body. Looking and feeling your
breasts to familiarize yourself with patterns of lumpiness
may help you recognize when there is a change to your breast.
A clinical breast exam, a visual exam and carefully feeling
the entire breast, is performed by your health care provider
as a part of your regular medical checkup.
If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment
options available and a better chance of survival. A mammogram
can find breast cancer before it can be felt. Women age 40
and older should have a clinical breast exam and mammogram
at least once. Women at higher risk may need to be screened
earlier or more frequently. |
