You couldn’t have helped but hear about the HPV vaccine, it seemed to be ‘the talk’ amongst anyone with a tween and teen daughter. Yet did you know that the HPV test, which helps to protect against cervical cancer, is just as crucial for adult women as well? Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer which can affect any women of any age, yet HPV testing can identify of you have the “high-risk” infections on your cervix, which can cause cervical cancer. We all have to undergo the dreaded Pap Test every 3 years, so why not get the HPV test at the same time? Not all doctors routinely perform the test, sometimes you have to request it. So, what’s stopping you? It’s a simple test which can protect the girls of today and the women of tomorrow, so protect yourself from Cervical Cancer! Early detection and prevention is key, ladies!
Key Notes:
- If you are age 30 or older, ask your doctor for the digene HPV Test at the same time you have your Pap test. This way, you’ll never forget.
- If both tests come back normal, then the tests don’t need to be repeated for 3 years. But you still have to return each year for your annual health exam.
- If one or both tests come back abnormal, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. It simply enables your healthcare provider to monitor you more closely or treat pre-cancerous cells before cervical cancer develops.
- HPV testing isn’t necessary for women younger than 30, because HPV infections in young women usually go away on their own without causing problems. Women under 30 will only have HPV testing if their Pap test is inconclusive.
Some great resources, to find out more about this important test:
www.theHPVtest.com – Web site focuses on the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer through HPV screening and Pap testing. Site includes frequently-asked-questions, patient stories, and tips on “what your test results mean.”
o Follow us on Twitter: @HPVinformed
o Facebook page: http://bit.ly/HPVTestFBFollow on Twitter: @HPVinformed
Facebook page: http://bit.ly/HPVTestFB~
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central
on behalf of the QIAGEN digene HPV test. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says
Every 3 for a pap? I was always told as a teen, every year..if not every 6 months. Since I moved to AB I had my first one this year and my doc gave me shit because I wanted 3 years and he said it should be every year…I’m so confused now.