{"id":3827,"date":"2015-01-06T08:51:24","date_gmt":"2015-01-06T13:51:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/?p=3827"},"modified":"2014-12-05T11:55:18","modified_gmt":"2014-12-05T16:55:18","slug":"get-tested-for-cervical-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/uncategorized\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Tested for Cervical Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"the-basics\" class=\"topic_area\">\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">The Basics<\/a><\/h2>\n<div class=\"pages\">\n<div id=\"page_64\" class=\"page\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">You can help prevent cervical cancer by getting regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) is done in a doctor\u2019s office or clinic.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">Most deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented if women get regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find abnormal (changed) cells <strong>before<\/strong> they turn into cancer. Pap tests can also find cervical cancer early, when it usually can be cured.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\"><strong>How often should I get screened (tested)?<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">How often you should get screened for cervical cancer depends on how old you are and which tests you get.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">If you are age 21 to 29, get a Pap test every 3 years.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">If you are age 30 to 65:<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">Get screened every 3 years if you only have a Pap test.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">Get screened every 5 years if you have both a Pap test and an HPV test.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/doctor-visits\/screening-tests\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer#the-basics_1\" class=\"broken_link\">If you are age 66 or older, ask your doctor if cervical cancer screening is recommended for you.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"page_123\" class=\"page\">\n<p><strong>What happens during a Pap test?<\/strong><br \/>\nA Pap test takes\u00a0about 2 to 5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but a Pap test doesn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n<p>While you lie on the exam table, the doctor or nurse will put a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina and open it to see your cervix. The doctor or nurse will use a special brush to collect a few cells from your cervix. These cells are sent to a lab to be checked by an expert.<\/p>\n<p>The doctor or nurse will also do a pelvic exam to check your uterus, ovaries, and other organs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"page_65\" class=\"page\">\n<p><strong>What is cervical cancer?<\/strong><br \/>\nCervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (or\u00a0womb).<\/p>\n<p>Abnormal cells in the cervix can turn into cancer if they are not found early and\u00a0treated. Cervical cancer is more\u00a0common in women over age\u00a030.<\/p>\n<p>The cervix connects the uterus (or womb) to the vagina.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"inside_left_col_image_rgt\" src=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/ContentImages\/cerv_cancer.gif\" alt=\"Picture of a woman's lower reproductive organs including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and cervix.\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"inside_left_col_image_caption\"><\/div>\n<p>Learn more about cervical cancer and screening:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"half-space\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cancer\/cervical\/pdf\/cervical_facts.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cervical Cancer [PDF &#8211; 897 KB]<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/cancertopics\/pdq\/screening\/cervical\/patient\/allpages\" target=\"_blank\">Cervical Cancer Screening<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"take-action\" class=\"topic_area\">\n<h2>Take Action!<\/h2>\n<div class=\"pages\">\n<div id=\"page_67\" class=\"page\">\n<p>Take these steps to help prevent cervical cancer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Schedule your Pap test.<\/strong><br \/>\nCall a doctor\u2019s office or local health clinic to schedule your Pap test and pelvic\u00a0exam.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>What about cost?<\/em><\/strong><br \/>\nTesting for cervical cancer is covered under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcare.gov\/how-does-the-health-care-law-protect-me\" target=\"_blank\">Affordable Care Act<\/a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get tested at no cost to\u00a0you.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"half-space\">\n<li>If you have private insurance, check with your insurance provider to find out what\u2019s included in your plan. Ask about the Affordable Care Act.<\/li>\n<li>If you don\u2019t have insurance, <a href=\"http:\/\/apps.nccd.cdc.gov\/dcpc_Programs\/default.aspx?NPID=1\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"broken_link\">find a program near you that offers free or low-cost Pap tests<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>If you have Medicare, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/coverage\/pap-tests-pelvic-exams-screening.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"broken_link\">find out how often Medicare covers Pap tests and pelvic\u00a0exams<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcare.gov\/what-are-my-preventive-care-benefits\" target=\"_blank\">For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit\u00a0HealthCare.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"page_587\" class=\"page\">\n<p><strong>Get ready for your Pap test.<\/strong><br \/>\nTry to schedule your Pap test for a time when you won\u2019t have your period. For 2 days before your test, doctors recommend that you don\u2019t:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"half-space\">\n<li>Use tampons<\/li>\n<li>Have sex<\/li>\n<li>Use birth control creams, foams, or jellies<\/li>\n<li>Douche (rinse the vagina with water or other liquid)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sTd\/hpv\/pap\/default.htm#sec4\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"broken_link\">Get help understanding your Pap test result<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"page_68\" class=\"page\">\n<p><strong>Lower your risk of cervical cancer.<\/strong><br \/>\nA major cause of cervical cancer is HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is the most common STD (sexually transmitted disease).<\/p>\n<p>Some types of HPV can cause genital and anal warts. Other types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers.<\/p>\n<p>You are at higher risk of getting HPV if you:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"half-space\">\n<li>Started having sex before age 18<\/li>\n<li>Have unprotected sex<\/li>\n<li>Have many different sex partners<\/li>\n<li>Have a sex partner who has other sex partners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Check out these websites for more information on HPV:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/std\/HPV\/STDFact-HPV.htm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"broken_link\">HPV Infection<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.womenshealth.gov\/publications\/our-publications\/fact-sheet\/human-papillomavirus.html\" target=\"_blank\">HPV and Genital Warts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"page_290\" class=\"page\">\n<p><strong><em>Get the HPV vaccine.<\/em><\/strong><br \/>\nDoctors recommend that women age 26 and younger get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots over 6 months. The shots protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hpv\/vaccine.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"broken_link\">Find out more about the HPV vaccine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Girls and boys can get the HPV vaccine, too. If you have kids, <a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/health-conditions-and-diseases\/hiv-and-other-stds\/hpv-vaccine-questions-for-your-childs-doctor\" class=\"broken_link\">ask their doctor about the HPV\u00a0vaccine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Get your well-woman visit every year.<\/strong><br \/>\nDuring your visit, talk to the doctor or nurse about other important screenings and services to help you stay healthy. Find out more about <a href=\"http:\/\/healthfinder.gov\/HealthTopics\/Category\/everyday-healthy-living\/sexual-health\/get-your-well-woman-visit-every-year\">getting your well-woman visit every year<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Basics You can help prevent cervical cancer by getting regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) is done in a doctor\u2019s office or clinic. Most deaths from cervical cancer &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/uncategorized\/get-tested-for-cervical-cancer\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2520,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3827","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paB9fc-ZJ","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2520"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3827"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3827\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3828,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3827\/revisions\/3828"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}