March 2017
March Is for Women’s Wellness
While all components to women’s health and wellness are important, this month we’re focusing on the physical component and what you, as a provider, can do to increase compliance and education regarding preventive care.
Two highlights of women’s preventive care are cervical cancer screenings (including Human Papilloma Virus [HPV] vaccine administration) and breast cancer screenings. Providing education to your patients and their families is one of the most important components to increasing care, and decreasing chronic and potentially lethal disease processes.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the following regarding cervical cancer screening1:
- Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended.
- Women ages 30 to 65 should have a Pap test and an HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that 11 to 12 year olds receive two doses of the HPV vaccine. This is a recent change as patients used to receive three doses, so remember to educate your patients and staff appropriately2.
In regards to breast cancer screenings, the U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends the following3:
- Women ages 40 to 49 should speak with their health care provider about the timing of breast cancer screening based on risk.
- Women of average risk ages 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every 2 years.
- Cervical cancer screenings for women over age 65 is not required if they:
- Do not have a history of moderate or severe abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, and
- Have had either three negative Pap test results in a row or two negative co-test results in a row within the past 10 years, with the most recent test performed within the past 5 years.
For any patient, the timing of their screening also depends on their family history. Some of your patients may need earlier and more frequent screening exams and they look to you for guidance, education and support. Speaking to your patients about resources, providing education and up-to-date information will assist your patients in making the most educated and well-informed decision.
1 www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cervical-Cancer-Screening
2 www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-vaccine-young-women.htm
3 www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm