January is ACS Cervical Cancer Month
The Pap smear screening test has shown to decrease cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Consensus guidelines advise screening starting three years after starting sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first. It is recommended every one to two years for women less than 30 years old, and every two to three years for women above 30. Women with increased risk should be tested more frequently.
We pause this month to commemorate women suffering from cervical cancer and to recognize that it is a treatable disease if detected early.
When was your last Pap smear test?