Another Year, Another Yearly Exam

I hada total hyst at 44 removing ovaries, uterus, and cervix. Now they say I do not need pap tests or even any type of annual exam. But in 10 years, no doctor has ever offered to do a breast exam (as I assume they think it goes with a pelvic exam). I also feel like I could still get some type of pelvic cancer and they don't care. Could overweight people just not get the same quality of medical care? What do you think? I have been thin and "thick" and can tell a big difference in attitudes of the doctors.

Touchy subject from a personal standpoint...yes, i do get checked. A relative of mine from ca. also got checked regularly for at least 10 yrs and always got back normal results...then she passed away at 40yrs old from cervical cancer. Ironically and sadly, after she passed, a result came in her mail saying she had a normal pap--I'm not really sure what to think of that or who would be responsible...her mother told me she found out that in some states they aren't required to check them all and only randomly test--not sure on the validity of that one, but it still makes it scary to me, and was a very sad situation for them.

I have had trouble with displasia in the past and know how important the annual pap test is. I am looking for a provider in the Syracuse area for my mother to have the pap, mammogram, and also bone density test done in one visit. Anyone with information I would appreciate this.

I just got checked at the end of last month. Still waiting for test results. It is nerve wracking waiting but it is okay. I'd rather know than not know. I urge every woman to be screened.

I get checked every year, what scares me the most is that they will find a lump in the breasts. My grandmother died of breast cancer.

I get checked every year, and a little over a year ago I found out I had cervical cancer - had it removed successfully. Now I get the pleasure of going 4 times a year to keep things in check.

I highly recommend getting your check-ups. And if you or your children are able to get the vaccine I suggest seriously considering it. Just an FYI - many insurances cover it under their preventative coverage at 100%.

There seems to be so many things that can happen to a woman's body that can go undetected - I try and get checked for things they may find at an early stage - I have been fortunate however, did have cysts discovered a few years ago that had to be removed as they grew rapidly - All was ok but I am glad I was checked and monitored before something really bad happened.

i know its very important, however i always get the nurse with large hands. ;)

It's very important to stay on top of your body. I had cervical cancer 9 years ago. I was lucky because I had no history of the causes but a pap that kept coming back abnormal but non-cancerous and a VERY persistant doctor. I ended up with the cervical cancer that only occurs 10% of the time in women. Because of her I'm here today. I'm told this vaccine will also help in preventing what I had and my 15 year daughter has just completed her 3rd shot in the vaccine series. So for those who might feel it's not for them or their daughters because they are not sexually active, please think again. Cancer does not discriminate.

I have it yearly too, but don't forget the mammomgram

I am 32 years old and I always have my yearly pap. You can never be too careful. Luckily every one of them have came back normal. Thank God.

I am now 27 years ago, and I had cervical cancer surgically removed about a year ago. It is very important to get your yearly paps, and if it comes back abnorman DO NOT ignore it!

I have been getting my yearly pap and I think it is important that women have done every year.

i make sure to get my exam every year. The majority of the women in my family have had cancer so i always get checked.

It is so wonderful now that my daughter can get a vaccine that can help prevent this. I did not have that option and am too old now to get it.

The new vaccine helps prevent you from getting the virus that can make cervical cancer more probable.

I make sure to get my pap every year without fail. I take one day off and try to schedule all my "woman" exams!