Pap Smear Screening, Essay Example

Introduction

Screening for cervical cancer is typically performed using a pap test for women between the ages of 21 and 65 years, and is conducted every three years with a normal test, or testing may be conducted every five years with a combination HPV test (US Preventative Services Task Force, 2014). Typically, these tests are covered in even the most basic insurance plans so that there is no cost to the patient (Womenshealth.gov, 2014).  The standard guidelines are recommended because many women are at a low risk of precancer or cervical cancer and do not require annual tests with a normal result (Womenshealth.gov, 2014).

Analysis

In the past, annual pap smears were part of the routine physical examination; however, increased screening rates, technologies, and other factors make it no longer necessary for patients to have these tests on an annual basis, as they are not necessary and are not cost effective (Brawley, 2012). Current guidelines by the American Cancer Society, the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology recommend that women receive fewer tests because an increased number of tests does not necessarily mean that their accuracy levels are high (Brawley, 2012). Even for women who test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) do not necessarily require treatment, as monitoring of any visible lesions on the cervix is typically sufficient (Brawley, 2012).

It is also important to note that not all pap tests provide accurate results and that repeat tests might offer a different outcome (CDC, 2014). Therefore, testing must be used appropriately and in accordance with guidelines in order to accomplish the desired screening objectives (CDC, 2014). Although these screening guidelines offer a framework for women to better manage their recommended screenings, it is nonetheless important to note that the guidelines remain somewhat confusing for some women to follow, particularly if their physician might give different advice. These factors play a role in determining which course of action to take with women over the age of 21, regardless of whether or not they have had a positive pap test and/or have tested positive for HPV.

One of the most important factors to consider with pap tests and cervical cancer screenings is their ability to be effective in determining whether or not there is an actual risk of cervical cancer. If a false positive test is observed, then it is possible that a woman experiences high levels of stress and worry until a second test is performed, which is an unnecessary turn of events (Womenshealth.gov, 2014). However, other women might experience a false negative, whereby their test is shown to be normal but there is an actual concern that must be addressed (Womenshealth.gov, 2014). Nonetheless, women who experience a false negative test are likely to have a positive result on a future test (Womenshealth.gov, 2014). Under these conditions, it is possible that women may not understand the test results and their meaning; therefore, they must be explored more closely by the physician in order to provide adequate education and guidance regarding these results.

Conclusion

Modern pap test screening guidelines have shifted in recent years to a “less is more” approach in order to be more cost effective with these screening tools and to recognize that women no longer require annual tests. Although women largely benefit from these screening tools in many cases, others might find them somewhat frustrating because they are unclear. Therefore, testing guidelines must be explained to women so that they are better understood and recognized for their value and contribution in promoting greater health and wellbeing for many women.

References

Brawley, O. (2012). No more annual pap smear: new cervical cancer screening guidelines. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/health/brawley-cervical-cancer-screenings/index.html

Centers for Disease Control (2014). Cervical cancer screening. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm

U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (2014). Screening for cervical cancer. Retrieved from http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspscerv.htm

Womenshealth.gov (2014). Pap test. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pap-test.html