Call your doctor or Pap Tests for medical clinic TODAY Older Women for a Pap test appointment. A HEALTHY HABIT FOR YOU My appointment for a Pap test
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NIH Publication No. 03-3213V/H For Medicare Information Printed September 2003 (RL-3) Visit www.medicare.gov on the Web, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TTY users call 1-877-486-2048. CMS Publication No. 10149 AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 1. What is a Pap test? reasons (e.g., fibroids). Talk with your 9. A Pap test is important because A Pap test finds problems that can be doctor about what is right for you. it can: treated before they turn into cancer. A • Find abnormal cervical cell changes 5. If I'm not sexually active now, do I before they have a chance to Pap test can also find cancer early. If still need a Pap test? cervical cancer is found early, it’s easier become cancerous Women who are not currently sexually to cure. • Tell if you have cervical cancer active may still need a Pap test. Almost all early—while it's still easier to cure 2. Could I have cervical cancer and cervical cancer is caused by a sexually not know it? transmitted virus called the Human Pap tests can save your life! YES—often cervical cancer does not Papillomavirus (HPV) that can live in the 10. Does Medicare help pay for cause pain or other symptoms. body for many years. Pap tests? 3. If I've gone through menopause, 6. How often should I get a Pap test? Medicare helps pay for screening Pap do I still need a Pap test? You should have a Pap test at least once tests every two years. Medicare may Most women still need to get Pap tests. every 3 years. If you are age 65 or older, pay more often if medically necessary. This decision depends on your age and talk with your doctor about whether you still For Medicare payment information, visit past Pap test results. Talk with your need to get Pap tests. You and your doctor www.medicare.gov on the Web, or call doctor about what is right for you. can decide what testing schedule is right for 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). you based on your past Pap test results. TTY users call 1-877-486-2048. 4. If I've had a hysterectomy, do I still need a Pap test? 7. Where do I get a Pap test? After a hysterectomy, you still need to • Doctor's office get Pap tests if: • Medical clinic For more information • You had a partial hysterectomy • Local health department (an operation that removed the on the Pap test… uterus, or womb, but not the cervix) 8. How is a Pap test done? visit the National Cancer Institute's • You had a total hysterectomy For a Pap test, you lie on an exam table. (an operation that removed the A nurse or doctor will use a plastic or Web site at www.cancer.gov uterus and the cervix) to treat cervical metal instrument called a speculum to look or call the National Cancer Institute's cancer or a condition that might lead inside your vagina. He or she then uses a Cancer Information Service at small brush to take a few cells from your to cancer 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) cervix (opening to the uterus). This test You may not need to get Pap tests if you takes only a few seconds. A lab will check TTY: dial 1-800-332-8615 have had a total hysterectomy for other these cells for cancer or other problems.