New guidelines for Pap tests in Nova Scotia
Posted Nov 27, 2013 12:22:12 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
New guidelines are out today for cervical cancer screening in Nova Scotia.
Experts at Cancer Care Nova Scotia studied the latest recommendations from a Canadian task force.
“Regular Pap tests can prevent up to 90 per cent of deaths from cervical cancer,” said Dr. Robert Grimshaw, medical director, Cancer Care Nova Scotia Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. “This has not changed. Regular Pap tests are still important in our fight against cervical cancer, but we now have a better understanding of who needs a Pap test and how often. Women should talk with their family doctor or health care provider about what these revised guidelines mean for them.”
The revised guidelines recommend:
— Women 20 years old and younger do not need a regular Pap test
— Women should start having regular Pap tests at age 21 or within three years of first vaginal sexual activity, whichever comes last. Once a person begins having Pap tests, they should continue to have them every three years.
— Women between 25 and 69 years old should have a Pap test every three years.
— Women older than 70 who have had three normal Pap tests in a row, no longer need to be screened. Those older than 70 who have not had three normal Pap tests in a row should continue having Pap tests every three years until they do.
“Our updated guidelines reflect increased knowledge of how cervical cancer develops, and a greater understanding of the benefits and potential harms of screening,” said Dr. Grimshaw. “The updated guidelines include changes in the age to begin having Pap tests, and the frequency of screening needed based on age and a woman’s cervical screening history.”
For more information: www.cancercare.ns.ca/cervicalcancerprevention
