How common are abnormal Pap tests?
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How common are abnormal Pap tests?
Of all the women in the United States who have a Pap test each year, about 7% will have an abnormal result that suggests they should have further evaluation.1 Only a small percentage of these abnormal Pap test results indicate changes that are likely to progress to cervical cancer.
Most women who have abnormal cervical cell changes that progress to cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or have not had one in the past 3 to 5 years. The lack of screening increases the risk of cancer.
References
Citations
National Cancer Institute (2005). Cervical Cancer PDQ: Screening—Health Professional Version. Available online: http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/cervical/healthprofessional.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Barbara S. Apgar, MD, MS - Family Medicine, Women's Health |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | January 12, 2007 |
| Last updated: | January 12, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman |
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