Does anyone think the required smear/PAP test age is wrong?

Question

I've heard that the age has changed from 21 to 24, yet women in their late teens are also at risk from conditions such as cervical cancer. Why has the age increased? Does it take years for cervical cancer to develop?

Answer 1

The recommendations are based upon risk, which you have recognized as being a possibility even for younger women. The primary risk is from sexual exposure to human papilloma virus (HPV), particularly from certain strains of HPV. The risk of contracting HPV increases with the number of sexual partners, thus the risk of cervical cancer increases similarly. Of course, exposure and the change from simple viral infection to cervical cancer takes time, but given that many women are sexually active at a young age it really makes sense for them to have Pap smears starting earlier as well. A good rule of thumb is that any female asking about birth control or discussing sex with her doctor (or anyone else, for that matter) is probably at the right age to start considering having Pap smears done.

Answer 2

i was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 19 now 23 this year had some abnormal symptoms went to the dr and was diagnosed again even though they said i was fine and paps since the age of 19 have been fine. i was just now tested for hpv and found out that my body carries the strand that causes cervical cancer. the body can house the virus and it not show up on pap test till later.sorta like genital herpes without the bumps

Answer 3

I was always told that you should get regular paps by 18 or when you become sexually active which ever comes first.

Answer 4

they recommend that you get one when you start having sex and when you get your period

Answer 5

I don't think so.