[Raynaadi]

I'm sure you've all seen those commercials about cervical cancer....if you haven't, they're commercials that talk about cervical cancer being caused by an STD and why PAP tests are so important. The line in the commercial is "Tell Someone."

I had to post here and tell someone about my friend who got an irregular PAP back in November and was diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer. Because she doesn't have money and didn't have insurance at the time, she couldn't get in for further tests until this month. Her cervical cancer is now at Stage 3. I don't know what the next step for her is.

Anyway....moral of this is just a reminder to get your yearly PAP test!!!!!!!!!!

[Zen888]

http://hpv.com/tell-someone/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=GR042 "Tell Someone" (Pap Test web site)

For those of you who don't get annual Pap tests done....They don't hurt at all....and can save your life!

[bebop]

ray that is horrible. but I must say there are agencies to use if you have no insurance and need immediate medical attention! like medicaid would help. I am really sorry she had to wait so long.

[Raynaadi]

Yeah, she's on government insurance, not called medicaid here, but same thing. They're doing a procedure March 8 to remove it.

[(JD)]

That is sad

I don't have yearly...haven't in eons... I am celebate.

But I agree with informing those who are sexually active to take care!

[Peanuts]

I used planned parenthood while I was attending college - they always provided care regardless of your ability to pay or not. Once I graduated and got a "real" job, I made a big donation in appreciation for all the free care I got when I needed it the most.

[SweetSunshine]

OMG Sky!!!!!!! It doesnt matter if your sexually active or not ... this is a must for all women!! You can still get it!! Please PLEASE take care of yourself !! I am in shock that a woman as knowledgable as you are.. did not know this. You must have been misinformed somewhere somehow. Please call tomorrow to get it scheduled ok?

[Zen888]

SweetSunshine

Women are suppose to get a Pap Test done up to 65 years old......no matter if you are having sex or not.

[SweetSunshine]

But Pilatus.. thats the first time since I've been here that someone used an I AGREE smilie in a reply to me LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much PILATUS!!!!

[emotionally_drained]

Originally Posted by Raynaadi

I'm sure you've all seen those commercials about cervical cancer....if you haven't, they're commercials that talk about cervical cancer being caused by an STD and why PAP tests are so important. The line in the commercial is "Tell Someone."

I had to post here and tell someone about my friend who got an irregular PAP back in November and was diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer. Because she doesn't have money and didn't have insurance at the time, she couldn't get in for further tests until this month. Her cervical cancer is now at Stage 3. I don't know what the next step for her is.

Anyway....moral of this is just a reminder to get your yearly PAP test!!!!!!!!!!

What's a pap smear

[nicoleb2]

It is a test you have done at a doctors office. They take a few cells from your cervix to be checked for abnormalities, which can be caused by cervical cancer.

I know this is an old thread, but PLEASE everybody get your pap smear done. I have a friedn who was just given 6 months to live due to metastacized cervical cancer!

[JLarissaDragon]

My mother died from cancer when I was 13. Mammograms and pap smears are important for all women, whether they are sexually active or not. Ok mammograms hurt a little but pap smears do not. If cancer is left to go unchecked it is going to hurt a lot more

[emotionally_drained]

Originally Posted by JLarissaDragon

My mother died from cancer when I was 13. Mammograms and pap smears are important for all women, whether they are sexually active or not. Ok mammograms hurt a little but pap smears do not. If cancer is left to go unchecked it is going to hurt a lot more

Is it like a internal rape kit thing

[JLarissaDragon]

Vaguely so in that they have to take cells from inside of you, but not nearly as intrusive nor traumatic. You can usually find a female gynocologist who is gentle and supportive. It is really nothing to fear

[emotionally_drained]

Originally Posted by JLarissaDragon

Vaguely so in that they have to take cells from inside of you, but not nearly as intrusive nor traumatic. You can usually find a female gynocologist who is gentle and supportive. It is really nothing to fear

How old u have to be

[JLarissaDragon]

I think medical opinions vary here somewhat, so it is best to ask your doctor. I think that 21 is a pretty common age now from what I read. It depends on whether you are sexually active though and whether there is a history of cancer in your family

[nicoleb2]

In my area, it's really dependent on if you are sexually active. If you are, they start younger than 21. Actually, I think they start at 18 even if not sexually active

[Anika.]

Women should be doing this before 21 years. My sister was dx with cervical cancer at 18, she kept putting off treatment, in denial I think, and when she got treatment the cancer had spread so badly, she had tons of chemo and radiation until there was no more they could do for her. In the end she recovered but it was very close.

My mother also had cervical cancer when she was 34, she had a full hystorectomy, as a result.

I would not wait until 21 , my sister would be dead if she waited till then. They do recomend 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active. I don't see any reason why not to get checked sooner than 21, especially if you have a family history.