Dr. Paula Rochon Appointed Vice President, Research at Women's College Hospital Oct 31, 2008
Women's College Hospital collaborated in the invention of the Pap test, opened Ontario's first regional Sexual Assault Care Centre and was the first hospital in the province to use mammography. Today, Women's College Hospital - an ambulatory care centre and teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto - is focusing on sex- and gender-based medicine - one of the most important and unrecognized areas of women's health. (Canada Newswire)
A silent killer: Its symptoms are vague and common and there's no screening test, making ovarian cancer tricky to diagnose and harder to survive Oct 29, 2008
The very banality of this cancer s early symptoms is what makes it so deadly that and the fact that there is no early-screening tool, such as a mammogram for breast cancer or a Pap smear test for cervical cancer, to either reassure women that they re healthy or find cells at early and highly curable stages. As a result, the majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are already in stages 3 or 4, meaning it has already escaped the ovaries. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Bartlett, SEARHC pair up to bring mobile mammograms to Southeast Oct 25, 2008
"Women are required to get a clinical breast exam (CBE) prior to the mammogram, so we work hard to make sure they not only get a CBE but are screened for their next health need, which may include a Pap test and cardiovascular screening with blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels tested.". A two-week trip to Klawock and Craig ended on Oct. 13, and Spensley said they saw 163 women between the two communities (138 through the SEARHC Alicia Roberts Medical Center in Klawock). (Juneau Empire)
Gardasil Passes a 2-Year Safety Check Oct 25, 2008
A pap test is used to find abnormal cells that may lead to cancer. The test isnt always accurate but now theres a new option. (WebMD)
New MRI Puts Cervical Cancer into Focus Oct 23, 2008
The new technique "looks at the function of the tissue, the ability of extracellular water in the tissue to diffuse. What diffusion imaging does is point out tissue that is abnormal. It's routinely used for brain imaging. This [new] technique is used after a Pap test tells you have cervical cancer," Lee said. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
New MRI technique may identify cervical cancer early Oct 21, 2008
Largely attributable to increased use of the Pap test, cervical cancer death rates declined 74 percent between 1955 and 1992 and continue to decline by nearly 4 percent annually ... "This procedure causes no more discomfort than a Pap test and the diffusion-weighted imaging itself only takes 84 seconds." The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. (EurekAlert!)
New Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Device Oct 17, 2008
It is called the "Halo." Similar to a pap smear, the Halo is being called "the pap test for the breast.". For Tina Griffin, breast cancer has always been a concern of hers. (KERO 23, CA)
Double the body of evidence Oct 16, 2008
After twins aged 25 or older - identical and non-identical - give permission, Garland's team requests access to their pap smear history, to see if the identical sisters are more similar in their propensity to defeat the virus naturally than non-identical sisters. "In a sense we're looking at genetics versus environment," says Garland, the hospital's head of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Resale shop fights breast cancer Oct 14, 2008
By Ginger Shepherd, Staff Writer Monday, October 13, 2008. World Photo By Ginger Shepherd Brees Upscale Resale clothing store manager Jennie Curran, left, and volunteers Sue Van Horn, center, and Maureen Small sort items at the store on Oct. 8. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
1 comment(s) Oct 14, 2008
The World Link: Resale shop fights breast cancer. Resale shop fights breast cancer. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Doctors walk fine line on teen pregnancy Oct 6, 2008
While Pap smears are no longer required before prescribing a birth control pill (the new guidelines from the Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend a Pap smear within three years of onset of sexual activity or age 21, whichever is first), sexually active teens - both boys and girls - still need to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening can now be done by a urine test, but a parent still may receive a bill for the test. (Boston Globe)
Sitka plans Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities Oct 4, 2008
The health exam includes breast, Pap test and cardiovascular screenings. To make an appointment or ask questions, call the PPA Sitka Health Center at 907-747-3883. (Juneau Empire)
New Cervical Cancer Test for Rural Areas Proves Efficient Sep 25, 2008
Qiagens rapid HPV test was 90 percent accurate in detecting cervical cancer, compared to Pap testing (cytology), for which the sensitivity was 85 percent, You-lin Qiao and his colleagues reported in the study published in The Lancet Oncology. In the developed countries, Pap test is the standard screen for cervical disease, supplemented by HPV testing. (eFluxMedia)
New Test May Stop Cervical Cancer in Rural Women Sep 24, 2008
Screening using Pap smear is routinely done in the United States and Europe, where it has led to a 50 percent reduction in mortality. But implementing such tests in developing countries is not as easy, where taking smears and reading them can be problematic. (MEDLINEplus)
Health InfoCenter Sep 12, 2008
For more information on the free pap smear clinic put on by the Hicks Foundation. For more information on Body Dysmorphic Disorder. (WCAX.com, VT)
Cancer fundraiser to honor Sen. Baker Sep 10, 2008
"Thanks to the Pap smear, I survived cervical cancer, and I urge everyone to have regular screenings because early detection is so crucial to successfully treating and overcoming the disease," she said in a news release. "I am grateful to the Cancer Research Center and to the many groups who are working to find new cures and treatments for cancer and improve the quality of life of patients, survivors and their families," she said. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Women 'embarrassed' to get pap smears Sep 10, 2008
Women 'embarrassed' to get pap smears - Breaking News - National - Breaking News ... Women 'embarrassed' to get pap smears ... Women still let embarrassment and busy lifestyles get in the way of regular pap smears, with many going longer than three years without having the procedure. (Sydney Morning Herald)
New Cervical Cancer Test Beats Pap Smear Sep 9, 2008
A new way to test for cervical cancer is more accurate than a pap smear and identified more dangerous lesions, an Italian study showed on Tuesday ... More countries are also adopting screening tests, but the problem is pap smears produce too many false positives -- meaning women get a test that suggests they have potentially cancerous or pre-cancerous changes when in fact they do not ... An HPV test looks for the virus while in a pap smear doctors scrape cells from the cervix and examine them... (Newsmax)
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Sep 4, 2008
A Pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. There is no test for ovarian cancer, but if a woman believes her symptoms exhibit the signs of ovarian cancer, she should see a gynecologic oncologist, which would do a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA 125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound. (Boone Today, IA)
Coffee appears to protect women from cancer of the uterus Sep 2, 2008
It is commonly picked up during routine screening with a Pap smear, TruTest, a biopsy or by dilation and curettage (D&C). Symptoms can include abnormal bleeding, abnormal menstrual periods, bleeding between normal periods in premenopausal women, vaginal bleeding and/or spotting in postmenopausal women and women older than 40 and lower abdominal pain or pelvic cramping. (News-Medical.net)
Fitness for Women- Stay Fit and Hea... Sep 1, 2008
Women who are eighteen and above should have their Physical Examination annually especially for the Pap Smear test. Women who are forty and up should have their mammograms and the Breast self-exam is encouraged once puberty has been reached and should be a habit as they mature. (Suite101.com)
Recent Advances Make Cervical Cancer Control In Developing World Feasible For First Time Aug 30, 2008
Developments such as highly effective vaccines against the human papilloma virus (HPV) and promising new screening tests provide an unprecedented opportunity to tackle the disease in poor countries, where pap smear screening has largely failed because it is too expensive and too complicated to implement, the experts said in a series of papers on the topic unveiled Thursday at the World Cancer Congress of the International Union Against Cancer in Geneva ... The monograph also presents updated... (Science Daily)
Jade Goody's Pap Smear Tests Had Wrongly Given Her the "all-clear ... Aug 28, 2008
Jade Goody's Pap Smear Tests Had Wrongly Given Her the "all-clear Signal" ... Jade Goody's Pap Smear Tests Had Wrongly Given Her the "all-clear Signal". (MedIndia)
Staggering health survey results released Aug 28, 2008
28% of women reported they had not had a Pap smear within the three years preceding the survey. 15% of women aged 18-39 had not had a Pap smear ... 27% of women aged 40-64 had not had a Pap smear. (Newport Daily Independent, AR)
The Failures of Government-Run Healthcare Aug 27, 2008
Merrill Matthews :: Townhall. Columns, funnies in your inbox. (Townhall.com)
Study questions Gardasil benefits against costs Aug 26, 2008
The researchers compared the US$300 (HK$2,342) price of the vaccine and other expenses involved along with regular pap smears to the cost of pap smears. A pap smear, which detects abnormal cell change that could signify cervical cancer, costs about US$38. (The Standard)
Pap smears still essential, say specialists Aug 26, 2008
AUSTRALIA'S cervical cancer rate could start to rise again if a new generation of young women vaccinated against the disease is not encouraged to continue having Pap smears, says a group of specialist doctors who are calling on the Federal Government to clarify the screening program's future ... The move comes amid concern that immunisation could give women a false sense of security and undermine Pap smear screening, credited with halving cervical cancer cases and deaths since its introduction... (Sydney Morning Herald)
This is only a test: 6 exams explained Aug 25, 2008
COLPOSCOPYYou need it if: You've had an abnormal Pap test. How it works: As in a regular pelvic exam, you lie on a table in your gynecologist's office with your feet in the stirrups, the walls of your vagina expanded with a speculum. (MSNBC -- Health)
The truth about cervical cancer Aug 25, 2008
Important Tests Pap test: Cells are collected from the surface of the cervix and checked on a slide ... "The HPV test is ideal for the detection of cervical cancer. It is slightly more accurate than the pap test, but is not recommended for woman below 30 years of age," says Dr Neerja Batla, a senior gynecologist, AIIMS. This test is available at all major hospitals and costs around Rs 1,500. (India Times, India)
Operations research promises continued gains for HIV treatment in resource-limited countries Aug 24, 2008
Weill Cornell is the birthplace of many medical advances -- including the development of the Pap test for cervical cancer, the synthesis of penicillin, the first successful embryo-biopsy pregnancy and birth in the U.S., the first clinical trial of gene therapy for Parkinson's disease, the first indication of bone marrow's critical role in tumor growth, and most recently, the world's first successful use of deep brain stimulation to treat a minimally conscious brain-injured patient. For more... (EurekAlert!)
Behind the screen Aug 23, 2008
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show cervical cancer deaths in Australia a year dropped from four to two per 100,000 women in the 20 to 69 age group, between 1991, when the the pap smear program was introduced - it detects treatable pre-cancerous abnormalities as well as cancer - and 2005. But more than 700 high-grade abnormalities are found per 100,000 women screened. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cervical Cancer Prevention Should Focus On Vaccinating Adolescent Girls, Report Says Aug 22, 2008
Cervical cancer prevention in the U.S. has traditionally relied on a screening program involving frequent cytology (Pap smear) and/or HPV DNA testing, recommended annually or biennially for sexually-active women. HPV vaccination raises questions regarding the age at which to vaccinate females, target groups for temporary catch-up programs, and appropriate changes to screening practices. (Science Daily)
Researchers Question Wide Use of HPV Vaccines Aug 21, 2008
In particular, the researchers say the vaccines will be worth the cost only if they prove to protect girls for a lifetime, and if current methods for screening for cervical cancer using Pap smears can be safely adjusted to reduce costs there ... In developed countries, Pap smear screening and treatment have effectively reduced cervical cancer death rates to very low levels already ... Because the vaccine prevents infection with only some of the cancer-causing strains, Pap smear screening must... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Mobile mammograms in Haines on Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 Aug 21, 2008
If you also are due for your women's health exam, including your Pap smear and heart health screening, please let the Haines Health Center know so sufficient time is scheduled for you to have this done. Women with no insurance and/or a limited income may be eligible for a free clinical breast exam, mammogram and heart health screening. (Juneau Empire)
Mobile mammogram van on Prince of Wales Sept. 26 to Oct. 13 Aug 21, 2008
Women with no insurance and/or a limited income may be eligible for a free clinical breast exam, mammogram, Pap test and heart health screening. To find out if you qualify, call Mary Dinon of ARMC at 907-755-4946. (Juneau Empire)
Study Questions Cost-Effectiveness Of Gardisil Cervical-Cancer Vaccine Aug 21, 2008
Screening via Pap smear is recommended for women who are sexually active, even with the availability of Gardasil. The screenings can detect pre-cancerous lesions that can be removed; the availability of these tests has helped reduce the cervical-cancer death rate in the U.S. dramatically since the 1950s. (Wall Street Journal)
Merck's Gardasil Vaccine Not Worth the Cost for Women in 20s, Study Says Aug 21, 2008
The researchers compared the $300 price of the vaccine and other expenses involved in getting the shot along with regular pap smears to the cost of pap smears. A pap smear, which detects abnormal cell change that could signify cervical cancer, costs about $38 ... To measure the health benefit of the vaccine the researchers looked at the cost savings from averting cervical cancer with the vaccine and pap smears compared with averting cancer using just pap smears. (Bloomberg -- US)
Drug Makers' Push Leads to Cancer Vaccines' Fast Rise Aug 20, 2008
A major killer in the developing world, particularly Africa, where the vaccines are too expensive for use, cervical cancer is classified as very rare in the West because it is almost always preventable through regular Pap smears, which detect precancerous cells early enough for effective treatment. Indeed, because the vaccines prevent only 70 percent of cervical cancers, Pap smear screening must continue anyway ... The coalition, which supports widespread use of the cervical cancer vaccines, is... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Cervical cancer vaccine is popular, but fails to cure doubts Aug 20, 2008
Although cervical cancer kills close to 300,000 women a year globally, pap smears and follow-up treatment limit the death toll in countries with good medical care: 3,600 in the U.S., 1,000 in France and 400 in Britain annually ... A major killer in the developing world, particularly Africa, where the vaccines are too expensive for use, cervical cancer is almost always preventable through regular Pap smears that detect precancerous cells effectively ... Indeed, because the vaccines prevent only... (International Herald Tribune)
TWO VIEWS: Long waits, outdated medicine, rationing an import we don't need Aug 17, 2008
Consider some recent news stories reported by leading British newspapers: From London's Daily Mail: Twice Katie asked for a Pap smear test, but was told she was "too young" to need one. Now 24, she is dying from cervical cancer, one of many young women who have fallen victim to a scandalous change in health policy. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Early Test for Cancer Isn't Always Best Course Aug 12, 2008
But the reality is that while some cancer screening tests like the Pap smear for cervical cancer or mammography for breast cancer clearly save lives, the benefits of other screening tests are less clear. Studies of lung cancer screening, for instance, have failed to prove that it prolongs life. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
More Whittlesea women shirk Pap tests Aug 12, 2008
MORE than 40 per cent of Whittlesea women are risking their health by failing to get regular Pap tests ... MORE than 40 per cent of Whittlesea women are risking their health by failing to get regular Pap tests ... " "We know time can be a barrier for some women, but keep in mind Pap tests are a simple procedure, and only take a couple of minutes," Ms Rawlings said."Women need a reminder to have a Pap test. (Whittlesea Leader)
Cervical cancer vaccine boost Aug 11, 2008
The register shares its Carlton headquarters with the Victorian Cytology Service, which has analysed Pap test results since 1989 ... Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said it was important for women to realise the vaccine protected against only two forms of HPV, so those vaccinated should continue to get Pap tests every two years. (The Age)
How to Organise Family Medical Reco... Aug 10, 2008
pap smear and breast exam. skin cancer/mole check. (Suite101.com)
2 p.m.: Muscatine jury awards damages to woman in case against former lover (3262) Aug 7, 2008
She and Evans engaged in sexual contact in January 2005, and Rossiter said she had an abnormal pap smear one year later. Rossiter said Evans later admitted he had. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Letters for Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Jul 29, 2008
A woman s regular yearly exam (Pap Test) does not test for STDs, it is only a screening test for cervical cancer. If you are sexually active, it is important to see your doctor and ask specifically to be tested for STDs even if you feel fine. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
J.R. LABBE: Still putting off that colonoscopy exam? Jul 24, 2008
Avoiding a procedure that could save one's life is admittedly strange behavior for a woman who faithfully gets her annual Pap smear and mammogram and obsesses over the cholesterol counts that are part of the mini-physicals Carter BloodCare performs every time I give blood - about four times a year. But something about the screening process was decidedly off-putting. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Pharmacy Guild urges looser rules on repeat prescriptions Jul 24, 2008
"That's an unnecessary visit. The women's groups tell us that there's no added test, there's no blood pressure being taken, there's no pap smear needed, because they're having those tests regularly and so it is an efficiency called for by women's groups." ... And this can coincide with a general check up, pap smear etc ... 2 years of prescriptions for the pill is a great idea - each time you go back to refill, you know it's also time for a pap smear. (ABC Online)
Don't fall down on receiving regular cancer screeings Jul 19, 2008
TESTS: The Papanicolaou screening test (Pap test). FREQUENCY: Screening should be done every year with conventional Pap tests or every two years using liquid-based Pap tests. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Facts of (Relay for) Life - The Triple Crown Jul 17, 2008
The first stage of my Triple Crown was the very popular annual physical which comes complete with the always fun and exhilarating Pap Smear. I love lying on a short bed with my backside hanging off the end while my legs are up in the air and my feet are resting in metal "foot holders" covered with plastic bags. (Grand Coulee Star, WA)
New test finds risks for breast cancer before lump appears Jul 17, 2008
The test is called the breast pap test and it's done by a HALO machine that works and feels like a breast pump used by breast feeding mothers to extract milk. It's the only one of its kind in the state. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Gardasil Safety: Questions and Answers Jul 13, 2008
A pap test is used to find abnormal cells that may lead to cancer. The test isnt always accurate but now theres a new option. (WebMD)
Women invest in health at Chester fair Jul 13, 2008
The day-long program included workshops on breast health/cancer, stress reduction and nutrition followed by free gynecological exams, mammograms and Pap smear screenings to Keystone Mercy Health Plan members and free various tests to non-members ... "We don't know what's going on inside of our bodies, so this is very helpful," she said, referring to the event at the hospital at 2600 W. Ninth St. Joanna Adams, 57, of Chester, a cervical-cancer survivor, said she received a cholesterol screening... (The Delaware County Times, PA)
The fight of their lives Jul 13, 2008
These services include distribution of birth control, Pap smears, breast exams, annual check-ups for women and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections for both men and women ... These procedures are the medical diagnostic procedure and treatment of an abnormal pap smear, respectively ... "If someone has an abnormal pap smear, we are actually able to follow up on that in house and treat that for them here." Page 1 of 3. (The Battalion, TX)
Five Tips to Goof-Proof Your Health Care Jul 8, 2008
My former secretary was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer requiring a hysterectomy because she never received the news that her Pap test was abnormal and needed further testing. She would have needed much less invasive treatment just one year earlier. (ABC News)
Cervical cancer a silent killer Jun 29, 2008
A regular pap smear can detect the disease at an early stage and a surgery can prevent untimely death ... Experts say it is primary prevention while pap smear is secondary. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
EDITORIAL: Louisiana's neglected children Jun 29, 2008
In one case, a child who had an abnormal pap smear didn't receive a follow-up test for more than nine months. Another who had cavities at a dental exam in September still had not received treatment by December. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Pap Smears Less Common In Obese Women Jun 27, 2008
Researcher Raj Padwal said that while body mass index didn't have an effect on breast or colon cancer screening, the rate of women having a Pap smear decreased as BMI went up. "Obese women are 30 to 40 percent less likely -- depending on the degree of obesity -- to have recommended cervical cancer screening performed," Padwal said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Bishops urge Albertans to research HPV Jun 24, 2008
The Canadian Women's Health Network has suggested a Pap smear may be a better choice to screen for cervical cancer until more is known about the long-term effects and duration of the vaccine. The Canadian Medical Association has also raised questions and suggests Pap tests as an alternative until more is known about the vaccine's effectiveness. (Globe and Mail)
Gear up against cancer Jun 22, 2008
Regular Pap tests are essential for early detection. Most invasive cervical cancers (between 60 per cent and 80 per cent) are found in women who have not had a Pap test within the past 5 years ... Pap test is a simple, painless, inexpensive test which can be performed in the outdoor clinic within 10 minutes. (Times of India)
Doctors Not Telling Women About Plan B Jun 21, 2008
Even when women saw a gynecologist for a Pap test or pelvic exam, only 4% received emergency-contraception counseling, find University of Pittsburgh researchers Megan L. Kavanaugh, DrPH, and Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD.. "A lot of women, and the American public in general, are very misinformed about what emergency contraception is, how to use it, and how to access it," Kavanaugh tells WebMD. "Yet counseling about emergency contraception really is missing from the clinical encounter, especially for... (CBS News)
Endometrial Biopsy Jun 20, 2008
The procedure is much like a pap smear. However, the patient may experience cramping during (and up to a day or two after) the biopsy. (Suite101.com)
Screen system catches sex bug Jun 20, 2008
Weve only just introduced guidelines to automatically screen women when they come in for a pap smear, so it might take a few of years for the message to get out and for women to come in for screening. . (Australian Star)
New heart center gives women chance to change their odds Jun 18, 2008
"A women goes to her gynecologist and has a Pap smear, a mammogram, maybe her blood pressure checked, but no other tests. ... As for seeing a [primary care physician], either women don't go there or they only go in for acute problems.". Meanwhile, she added, "there are certain unique populations among women that are extremely prone to developing early coronary-artery disease." They include women who have a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, polycystic ovarian... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
When to Visit the Gynecologist Jun 17, 2008
The gynecologist will find out if the menstrual cycle is regular, will do a pap smear (which checks for human papillomavirus, a contagious sexually transmitted disease), will inform about birth control, do a baseline breast exam, and answer any gynecological questions ... A pap smear from the cervix can also be taken ... It is important to visit the gynecologist yearly for a preventative checkup which includes a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and a pap smear. (Suite101.com)
