| |
Pap tests are important to detect cell changes which, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer. All women between the ages of 18 and 70 years who have ever been sexually active should have a Pap test every two years.
The most common type of cervical cancer usually takes around 10 years to develop. Having a Pap test every two years is recommended, unless your doctor advises you to have one more frequently.
The risk of cervical (neck of the womb) cancer increases with age. Yet, according to PapScreen Victoria, older women often mistakenly believe their risk of cervical cancer is low. Around 53 per cent of Victorian women diagnosed with cervical cancer are aged over 50 years and more than half of the women who die from the disease have never had a Pap test.
Risk factors
Certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause the cell changes that, if left untreated, may lead to cervical cancer. Other factors may also play a role alongside HPV infection. These include:
- Increasing age
- Smoking
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives
- Lower levels of immunity.
Remember that having a Pap test is your best protection against developing cervical cancer.
The Pap test and what it can detect
A Pap test checks for changes to the cells of the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. A Pap test is not a diagnostic test and does not detect cervical cancer. Further tests are required to diagnose cervical cancer.
A Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer or any other types of cancer or conditions in the reproductive system. It does not check for sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
A small number of Pap tests show changes in the cells of the cervix, but most of these changes are caused by HPV infection. These usually clear up naturally or are easily treated. In a very small number of cases, the changes may develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. When detected early, changes to the cells of the cervix are easy to treat.
Some of the reasons why women don’t have regular Pap tests
According to research from the National Cervical Screening Program, reasons why Australian women don’t have regular Pap tests include:
- Not knowing how important the Pap test is and what it detects
- Pressing work and family commitments
- Forgetting to keep track of the time interval between Pap tests
- Other health concerns that take priority
- The belief that cervical cancer ‘won’t happen to them’
- The misconception that the Pap test detects cancer, not the presence of abnormal cells
- Fear of cancer
- Embarrassment about the procedure
- Fear of discomfort during the procedure
- Difficulties in accessing appropriate health care services.
Pap tests after menopause
Menopause occurs when a woman stops ovulating and her monthly period (menstruation) stops. A postmenopausal woman is no longer fertile, but this doesn’t reduce her risk of cervical cancer. The incidence of cervical cancer increases with age, so women over 50 years of age should continue to have regular Pap tests.
Lesbians
Lesbians should have regular Pap tests. As HPV is spread through genital skin contact, all women who have been sexually active, including lesbians, should have Pap tests every two years.
Long-term monogamy
Many older women who have been married and monogamous for decades mistakenly believe that screening is only appropriate for women who have multiple sex partners. All women who have ever been sexually active should have regular Pap tests until the age of 70.
Long-term abstinence
Since cervical cancer has been associated with sexual activity, women who have been celibate for some time – such as some divorced and widowed women – may mistakenly believe they are no longer at risk. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you last had sex, all women who have ever been sexually active should have regular Pap tests until the age of 70.
Social stigma
Since cervical cancer has been associated with sexual activity, some women may shy away from having Pap tests in case they are perceived as promiscuous. However, any woman with a cervix who has ever been sexually active should have regular Pap tests until the age of 70.
Screening is still important after some types of hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the womb (uterus). This procedure is used to treat a variety of conditions including heavy or painful periods, fibroids and endometriosis.
Some women still need regular Pap tests following hysterectomy, including women who:
- Still have their cervix
- Have had the hysterectomy as part of treatment for gynaecological cancer
- Have ever had a significant abnormality detected on a Pap test
- Have never had a Pap test in their life or have not had regular Pap tests.
Women who are unsure if they should keep having Pap tests should check with their health care professional. If the health care professional has no records of the operation, an internal examination or a cell sample may be required.
Stopping the test at 70 years
Women who have had at least two normal Pap test results in the five years before turning 70 can stop having Pap tests. Those women in the over-70 age group who have not been having regular two-yearly Pap tests or have had abnormal results from recent Pap tests may need to keep having Pap tests for a few more years. Women should ask their doctor or nurse for advice. If you are over 70 and you want to keep having Pap tests, that’s fine too. Discuss this with your doctor.
Where to get help
- Your local doctor
- Your women’s health nurse
- Specialist gynaecologist
- Your local community health centre
- Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100 www.fpv.org.au/
- The Cancer Council of Victoria Information and Support Line Tel. 13 11 20
- PapScreen Victoria – for online advice and information
- Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Victoria – see the Cancer Council Victoria’s website for contact details
Things to remember
- The risk of cervical cancer increases with age.
- Around 53 per cent of Victorian women diagnosed with cervical cancer are aged over 50 years.
- Over 80 per cent of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer have had no or inadequate screening history.
You might also be interested in:
Cervical cancer.
Pap test abnormalities.
Pap tests after hysterectomy.
Pap tests and women with disabilities.
Pap tests explained.
Pap tests for all women.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
|  |
|
| |
This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
PapScreen Victoria - Cancer Council Victoria
|
|
Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
|
•
|
This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
|
|
|
Last updated: November 2009
Linking to the Better Health Channel
It's easy to link to this page |
Close
If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:
The link should appear like this:
Pap tests and older women - Better Health ChannelPap tests or Pap smears are important to detect cell changes which, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer. The risk of cervical cancer increases with age. ..
© State of Victoria. All rights reserved
The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
|
|
