When my doctor's office called and told me my Pap results were abnormal, my heart sank. My first thought was cervical cancer. I was later told that my Pap test results were ASCUS, but because I didn't know what ASCUS meant, it made me even more frightened.
Angie, 31

Angie's experience is very common. Women who have had normal Pap smears for years suddenly have an abnormal Pap smear and panic. ASCUS pap results are common, but are they a reason to worry? Here's what you need to know about ASCUS Pap results...

Many women are surprised at how many people are involved in the treatment of one woman with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer isn't treated by just one physician, but a team of experienced doctors and other specialized health care workers. Some of these people are directly involved in care, but some are behind the scenes and one that the patient will never meet. These experts form your health care team and will ensure that you receive the best care possible.

Suggested Reading:

• Meet Your Cervical Cancer Treatment Team
  
• Treating Cervical Cancer
  
• Chemotherapy and Cervical Cancer

Since the FDA approved Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, parents of young girls have been forced to make a decision about their child’s healthcare – to vaccinate or not.

Many questions have been raised about the moral issues of vaccinating young girls against a sexually transmitted virus. Will it promote promiscuity? Are there unknown side effects? How do I talk to my daughter about a vaccine when she hasn't even learned about sex? Read more in "How to Talk to Your Daughter About the HPV Vaccine"

More About HPV:

• What is HPV?
  
• HPV Symptoms

_{Photo (c) Anissa Thompson}

HPV and Lebsian Relationships

It is a common myth that HPV is a "heterosexual" virus and can only be transmitted during heterosexual intercourse. While some people falsely believe that the risk of sexually transmitted infections among lesbian women is relatively low, it is important to note that HPV (like other STDs) does not discriminate against gender or sexual orientation. Men and women, homosexual or heterosexual, are all at risk of contracting HPV if they have sexual contact with an infected person! Read more about how HPV may be tranmitted through lesbian couples..

What You Need to Know About HPV

• What is HPV?
  
• HPV Symptoms
  
• How to Prevent HPV

We know that the Pap smear is a highly effective screening tool for cervical cancer, but many women fail to have it done regularly. Pap smear frequency is a huge contributing factor to the test's effectiveness. We need to remember that the Pap smear is only a screening tool, not a diagnostic test!

A new study shows that women who do not have Pap smears done at the recomended intervals 2.5 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women who had regular screenings at recommended intervals. Even more alarming, women were five times more likely to develop advanced cervical cancer if they hadn't had a regualr Pap smear! For most women, this is every three years, but is not the same for all women. (How often should you get a Pap smear?)

How Does This Study Effect You?

If you have regular Pap smears at the recommended intervals, the study supports you being proactive in your healthcare. You are taking the proper steps in maintaining and promoting cervical health. Keep it up and if you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor.

If you don't have regular Pap smear screenings, now is the time to start! It is never too late to have a Pap smear, no matter what your age is.

I have always practiced safe sex by using a condom, but my doctor says that I have HPV. How is this possible? Don't condoms prevent HPV?
-An About.com Cervical Cancer reader

It's common knowledge that condoms provide excellent protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, but how do they fare against the human papillomavirus (HPV)? Most people are unsure about whether condoms provide protection and it's a growing concern as people become more aware about HPV.

Read: Condoms and HPV to find out how much protection condoms provide against the cancer causing virus.

_{Photo (c) Bill Davenport}

Will your insurance company pay for a wig due to chemotherapy induced hair loss?

When women vist a wig shop after losing their hair to chemotherapy, they are often surprised to find out just how expensive wigs are! A quality wig can cost several hundred dollars. This of course, is in addition to treatment related costs that are not covered by the insurance provider. What a lot of women don't know is that many insurance companies will cover the cost of the wig. In fact, many wig shops will file a claim with your insurance provider for you!

Sounds good, right? Well, there are a few things you should know before you head out to shop. First thing, you need a prescription. Second, you need the prescription worded carefully! Read more about how to get your wig covered by your insurance provider...

How Ativan can help reduce chemo related nausea and vomiting

If you are going through chemotherapy and are nauseas and vomiting, you have my sympathy! It is miserable when you feel like you are restricted by the side effects of chemo. I have distinct memories of severe nausea and vomiting. It was so bad I briefly considered bringing a pillow, blanket, and television into my bathroom. Afterall, I seemed to spend all of my time there.

There is hope for those bound by the nearest bathroom! There are several drugs available to combat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Ativan, (generic name lorazepam) is a commonly prescribed anti-nausea medication. Check out more about Ativan for nausea and vomiting...

Why Women Who Have Been Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer Should Get a Second Opinion

"When I first told friends that I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, they were in such disbelief that they made me feel like my doctor wasn't competent. Every single one of my friends and family told me I needed to get a second opinion. I had been going to the same doctor for years. I felt like if I went to another doctor, I would be somehow "cheating" on my doctor."
-Julie, Orlando, FL

Julie's feelings about committing "patient infidelity" is common. In fact, many patients don't get a second opinion because they feel their doctor will be disappointed. Contrary to popular belief, most doctors encourage a second opinion! Read more about second opinions and cervical cancer...

What Does an HGSIL Pap Smear Result Mean?

It's inevitable for a woman to instantly feel scared when finding out that their Pap smear has come back as abnormal. Even more alarming is when they hear the words "high grade". High grade cervical dysplasia, or HGSIL for short, is classification of abnormal Pap smear that means that moderate to severe changes in the cells of the cervix have occurred. Read more about high grade cervical dysplasia...