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CLEVELAND CLINIC – May is Women's Health Month, but a recent study reveals a worrying trend in screening for one of the most preventable cancers among young women.
Robert DeBernardo, MD, of Cleveland Clinic, did not take part in the research, but says it shows that when it comes to cervical cancer screening, women in their twenties are more likely to miss important tests.
"What they found was if you asked the question" How many women aged 21 to 29 have been tested according to the new guidelines? "And the answer is basically half," he said.
The study examined data from more than 47,000 women.
The researchers found that while 64.6% of women aged 30 to 65 reported on their cervical cancer screening, women in their 20s were behind by 53.8%.
The guidelines for women in their twenties require more frequent screenings and change when a woman reaches the age of 30.
Dr. DeBernardo said screening was especially important for young women in their twenties, because cervical cancer, when it is detected early, is very curable.
He added that one of the reasons for the discordance between age groups could be the result of widespread confusion of new guidelines for patients and health care providers.
Dr. DeBernardo said it was essential for all women to see a doctor every year and take charge of their personal health.
"Women need to be better able to understand that they are responsible – not just their child, their husband, their parents, or their siblings – they are responsible for their own health," he said. declared. "And going to the doctor should be all that is needed. If you go to your family doctor or gynecologist, you should have the appropriate screening test. "
Dr. DeBernardo recommends that women ask their doctor for a hard copy of all screening results, just in the event of an unexpected job or insurance change, in order to have the most up-to-date health information available. .
The full results of the study are available in the Journal of Women's Health.
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