As an older woman, this page can provide you with answers to commonly asked questions from older women about Pap tests, HPV, and the Medicare benefit for Pap test screening.

If it has been a number of years since your last Pap test, or if you have never had a Pap test at all, this information can help put you more at ease during your appointment with your doctor or clinician.

1. What is a Pap test?
   A Pap test finds problems that can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer. A Pap test also can find cancer early. If cervical cancer is found early, it's easier to cure.
   
   
2. Could I have cervical cancer and not know it?
   YES--often cervical cancer does not cause pain or other symptoms.
   
   
3. If I've gone through menopause, do I still need a Pap test?
   Most women still need to get Pap tests. This decision depends on your age and past Pap test results. Talk with your doctor about what is right for you.
   
   
4. If I've had a hysterectomy, do I still need a Pap test?
   After a hysterectomy, you still need to get Pap tests if:
   • You had a partial hysterectomy (an operation that removed the uterus but not the cervix)
   • You had a total hysterectomy (an operation that removed the uterus and the cervix) to treat cervical cancer or a condition that might lead to cancer
   
   You may not need to get Pap tests if you have had a total hysterectomy for other reasons (e.g., fibroids). Talk with your doctor about what is right for you.
   
   
5. If I'm not sexually active now do I still need a Pap test?
   Women who are not currently sexually active may still need a Pap test. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the (HPV) Human Papillomavirus that can live in the body for many years.
   
   
6. How often should I get a Pap test?
   You should have a Pap test at least once every 3 years. If you are age 65 or older, talk with your doctor about whether you still need to get Pap tests. You and your doctor can decide what testing schedule is right for you based on your past Pap test results.
   
   
7. Where do I get a Pap test?
   • Doctor's office
   • Medical clinic
   • Local health department
   
   
8. How is a Pap test done?
   For a Pap test, you lie on an exam table. A nurse or doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum to look inside your vagina. He or she then uses a small, soft brush to take a few cells from your cervix (opening to the uterus). This test takes only a few seconds. A lab will check these cells for cancer or other problems.
   
   
9. A Pap test is important to me because it can:
   
   • Find abnormal cervical cell changes before they have a chance to become cancerous.
   • Tell if you have cervical cancer early—while it's still easier to cure.
   
   
10. Does Medicare help pay for Pap tests?
    Medicare helps pay for a screening Pap test every two years. Medicare may pay more often if medically necessary. For Medicare payment information, visit www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.
    
    

Call your doctor or local medical clinic TODAY for a Pap test appointment.

Pap tests can save your life!

For more information on the Pap test, visit the National Cancer Institute's Web site at www.cancer.gov or call the NCI's Cancer Information Service:

• 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
• TTY 1-800-332-8615

For Medicare Information, visit the Web site at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.

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