The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. More than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
To prevent cervical cancer, it is important to get screened according to the guidelines listed below. The screening is for both cervical cancer and HPV (human papillomavirus).
When Do Get Screened
When you should get screened for cervical cancer and HPV is based on your age as detailed below.
Age 21 to 29, get screened with a Pap test every 3 years
Age 30 to 65, you have 3 options:
Get screened every 3 years with a Pap test
Get screened every 5 years with an HPV test.
Get screened every 5 years with both a Pap test and an HPV test.
Age 66 or older, discuss with your physician if you need to continue getting screened
Your Physician's Input
You must discuss the options for screening with your physician. These are just guidelines presented here. The final decision should be based on your own physician's recommendation and the conversation between you both. If you have had any abnormal findings in the past or have a strong family history of cancer, then the frequency of these screenings may change.
Organize Your Medical Records
You need to track your medical history and findings and be responsible for following up on any screenings or medical follow-up you need. It is equally important to have a good medical team that you have a good relationship with and have easy access to for concerns and questions. Consider compiling a notebook or files that contain your medical information in one place. Sometimes a lot of this information is on an electronic patient portal but as nurse health advocates, we always recommend you maintain a log of your medical information, even if is just a summary document. Simply keep a log of the following to start:
Medical history – a log of conditions diagnosed with and how they were treated in reverse chronological order
Surgical history – a log of surgeries you have had in reverse chronological order
Medications – list all medications including supplements. Include dose, frequency, ordering physician, the reason for the medication, and any side effects to be aware of
Tests – a list of any lab tests and imaging tests along with the results.
Allergies – log of any allergies and the reactions experienced
This medical summary is great if you are going to a new physician or getting a second opinion as you will be very organized for that first visit. As nurse healthcare advocates, we set this up for our clients, and physicians are very grateful for this as it streamlines the initial intake appointment and ensures that nothing will be missed. Feel free to book a call with us should you have any questions or need assistance with this.