Thursday, July 22, 2010

New Pap Smear Guidelines for Young Women

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new guidelines stating that for women under 21 years of age, Pap smears may cause more damage than good.


These new guidelines support previous cervical cancer screening recommendations from late 2009. However, in addition to the previous guidelines, the new recommendations also state that for young girls with weakened immune systems, Pap smears should be performed before they turn 21. A compromised immune system as a result of organ transplant, HIV or other condition may permit human papillomavirus (HPV) infections to become cancer more easily than in a healthy young woman, so earlier screening is recommended.


Roughly 20 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with HPV, making it the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HPV rarely leads to cervical cancer in women under 21, making Pap smears for women in this age group uncalled for.


National Cancer Institute data shows that so far in 2010, more than 12,000 women have been newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, which is almost always caused by HPV infections. If you or a loved one have experienced a delay in diagnosing cancer and have questions about the quality of the medical care you received, call or email the cancer malpractice attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. We have helped clients with Bronx cervical cancer malpractice, Brooklyn cervical cancer malpractice, Queens cervical cancer malpractice and Long Island cervical cancer malpractice cases. Call today for your FREE case evaluation.


Call us toll-free, 1-877-ASK4SAM

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