Stamped signatures are not acceptable. We encourage you to search our web-site prior to sending a Freedom of Information request. Click here to read it . Research has shown that many women aged 65 and older have not had a Pap test or pelvic exam in the past 3 years because they vastly underestimate their risk for cervical cancer, or their providers do not recommend them. The fact is that women aged 65 and older account for 25 percent of all cervical cancer cases, and for 41 percent of all deaths from cervical cancer.
Pap tests can detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous.
It is one of the stated goals of Healthy People 2010 to increase to 90 percent the number of women who receive screening Pap tests and to further reduce cervical cancer deaths. Our Healthwatch area contains an article which explains the significance of Pap tests, discusses some of the medical myths surrounding Pap tests and women over age 65, and provides mortality and morbidity rate information. Click here to read it . Click here to read them . Gov website presents a new section, Medicare Managed Care Plan Frequently Asked Questions and Answers .