As women get older, many believe they can forego their Pap tests. For some, that may be true, but women need to remain vigilant with cervical cancer screenings even after menopause. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, which makes it a good time to dispel some mistaken beliefs about good reproductive health in older women.
MYTH: I've gone through menopause, so I don’t need a Pap test anymore.
TRUTH: Most post-menopausal women still need to get Pap tests. It depends on your age and past Pap test results. You and your doctor should discuss what is right for you.
MYTH: I've had a hysterectomy, so I don’t need a Pap test.
TRUTH: After a hysterectomy, you still need to get Pap tests if:
- You had a partial hysterectomy (an operation that removed the uterus but not the cervix).
- You had a total hysterectomy to treat cervical cancer or a condition that might lead to cancer.
You may not need a Pap test if you have had a total hysterectomy for other reasons, such as fibroids. Talk with your doctor about your needs.
MYTH: I'm not sexually active, so I don’t need a Pap test.
TRUTH: Women who are not currently sexually active may still need a Pap test. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can live in your body for many years.
MYTH: I am over 65, so I don’t need a Pap test.
TRUTH: For all the reasons above, many women of all ages still need Pap tests. You and your doctor can decide what testing schedule is right for you based on your past Pap test results.
Source: National Cancer Institute
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