Pap Smears For Over 60S

[smurfchops]

I was told that as my last smear was fine - I am 64 - I will not need to have any more smears. However I have just read that women over 60 are the most likely to develop cervical cancer. Can someone explain this to me? Also, how common are 'pre cancerous cells' in a smear? My friend's daughter is going for a second smear next week and is rather worried. She is 27.

[bednobs]

http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/faq16.html

[starone]

You can still have smear test and mammograms smurf but you have to ring the clinic or hospital and arrange them yourself. It just means the doctor will not arrange them in the future. The trouble is remembering to do it every five years - have to have some sort of memory tickler to help you.

[starone]

Just read bednobs post and I could be wrong, but I know I have been back for a mammogram a couple of times, with no reference to the doctor.

[albaqwerty]

Smurf, if you have anything different happening in that area in the next 2-3 years, I'd be asking for a smear test irrespective of age.

I presume your friend's daughter has had a smear which showed -pre-cancerous cells- as a result. Nothing to worry about, I had that and after the usual subsequent smears over a year they got them all and went on to have 2 successful pregnancies. (Hah, nothing to worry about she's just typed, sorry,
it's quite wiorrying)

[Sqad]

See bednob's link....that explains the over 65's position.

Pre-cancerous cells are "quite common."

[smurfchops]

albaqwerty 'any thing different happening in that area' ..... What symptoms should I be looking for, and is five years too long to wait for another smear? Sorry to keep asking so many questions ... Thanks for all answers so far.

[albaqwerty]

keep asking questions Smurf, that's how we learn!
My MIL went through the change in her late 50's and started having a period when she was 65. A simple change of HRT tablet sorted her out.
Who said being female was fun?!
All will be well xxx

[bednobs]

well i read from that link that unless you have changes or problems before you are 65, you are most unlikely to start having changes or problems after 65. TBH if the screening programme doesn't include over 65's i don't think you can get a routine one just by asking. I would guess bleeding would be the main symptom to look out for (at all if you've had the menopause, or in between periods if you haven't or after sex)

[Sqad]

\\\lbaqwerty 'any thing different happening in that area' \\

Vaginal discharge and /or bleeding.

Post coital pain or bleeding.

[albaqwerty]

yes sqad, and you told me not to bother when I posted my question. :p

[Sqad]

alba...I don,t understand your post.

[boxtops]

Good luck to your daughter, smurf - the letter will have said why she has to go back. A colleague of mine was very worried at a recall, only to find that the nurse had dropped the sample on the floor :-( so it's not always bad news, just needs rechecking.

[bednobs]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Health-and-Fitness/Question1192017.html

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone x

[Sqad]

bednobs...thanks.

Alba...that was a completely different situation in many ways.

I try to answer on individual cases.