Move Over Pap
Posted: April 8th, 2009 | Author: Joy | Filed under: Featured, health + wellness | Tags: health, medical, women | 2 Comments »A DNA test that detects the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer, is more effective than Pap smears at detecting and preventing the disease, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. [from ABC News]
The difference between a DNA test and pap smear is that the former tests for the actual virus and the latter checks for cell changes, which is why it’s done every year to see if something that’s missed the previous year will be picked up the next year. According to the article, this doesn’t mean eliminating the Pap smear. It means that it’s safe to not take it every year.
One more thing: “The DNA test for HPV is only used for women 30 and over. Many women get this virus but 90 percent of the time, their bodies get rid of the virus on their own and it does not lead to cancer.” Yup, it’s only for us oldies! :p
This stuff always interests me; not pap smears specifically, but the different recommended medical approaches in different countries. In Australia the recommended frequency for pap smears is every two years.
I wonder if the HPV/cervical cancer vaccination interferes with the DNA test? *wonders*
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Joy Reply:
April 24th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
@Jen, Oh see…I didn’t know that! That’s a good question! But I’m thinking that the DNA is the DNA and it won’t be easily affected by vaccination. Who knows.
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