Download Woman*s Health Quiz - Families First Health and Support Center

Women’s Health Quiz
True or False: A Pap test is the same thing as a pelvic exam.
(False!). A Pap test screens for cervical cancer and is
sometimes done during a pelvic exam. A pelvic exam screens for
infections and other types of cancer, such as vaginal, vulvar,
uterine, and ovarian cancer. If you think you are due for either
test, give Families First a call at (603) 422-8208.
True or False: Cervical cancer is one of the easiest female
cancers to prevent.
(True!) Sound like a good reason to make sure you are up to date
with your screening? Call Families First to schedule your Pap
test today! (603) 422-8208.
True or False: Cervical cancer is hereditary.
(False!) Cervical cancer is not hereditary like other cancers.
If your sister or mother had cervical cancer, then you are not
at an increased risk. Routine screening for cervical cancer is
recommended for all women ages 21-65. Smoking does increase your
risk so if you smoke, talk to your provider about ways to quit.
True or False: All women should have cervical cancer screening
(a Pap smear) every year.
(False!) Studies have shown that women should start getting
tested at age 21, and then may only need to be tested every 3-5
years if their Pap test was normal. Woman over age 65 years old
may not need to be tested any more. Women who had a hysterectomy
(removal of their cervix) for a non-cancerous condition, such as
fibroids, no longer need to be tested.
Should anyone get tested for cervical cancer every year? Certain
high risk woman should have a yearly Pap test. These are women
who are HIV positive, have a weakened immune system, and those
exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) when their mother was
pregnant with them.
True or False: Smoking increases your risk of getting cervical
cancer.
(True!) To prevent cervical cancer, do not smoke. If you already
smoke, talk to your provider about ways to quit. Go to your
appointments and have regular screenings as recommended by your
provider.
True or False: Teens should have a Pap test every year.
(False!). Long term studies have shown that annual Pap testing
is not necessary for women under 21 years old. Pap tests should
start at age 21. HPV is a virus that is very common in young
women. Some types of HPV can cause changes on a woman’s cervix
that can lead to cervical cancer over time. Women under 21 are
able to naturally fight off HPV. It is only when the virus
remains in the cervical cells for many years that it can cause
cervical cancer. It can take 10-15 years or more for abnormal
cells to turn into cancer. Women under 21 may still need annual
pelvic exams to screen for infections and other types of cancer.
References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012,
UptoDate, 2012, USPTF Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening,
March 2012