TODAY'S TMJ4

New Guidelines For Pap Smears

By George Mallet

MILWAUKEE - Just days after a federal task force changed its recommendations for mammograms, there is new advice for pap smears. OBGYNs say most women can wait longer to get their first one and don't need to get them every year.

Annual pap smears to detect cervical cancer are not needed as often as previously recommended according to the American College of OBGYNs. The experts now say women under 21 don't need them at all. Women in their 20's can get them every other year. Women over 30, with a history of normal pap smears, can be screened every three years and stop when they are 65 or 70.

Meghan Wilkinson found those recommendations surprising. Shopping at Bayshore Town Center Friday night, she said she values her annual pap smear.

"It's very important to me," Meghan said. "It just kind of reassures me every year knowing everything is OK."

But doctors now say because cervical cancer develops slowly, less frequent screenings won't make a difference.

"We'll be able to detect it in a timely fashion, yet put women, particularly young women, at less risk," said Dr. Cheryl Iglesia of the American College of OBGYNs.

Mia Cheeseman is a young, healthy woman who might never go to the doctor were it not for that annual pap smear.

"When you do it every year, there are other things that can be picked up," Mia said. "When you're just sitting there with your OBG, that person can talk about other things as well."

The American College of OBGYNs sees Mia's point as well. They continue to recommend annual checkups for all women.