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Annual Gynecologic Visit, Including Pap Test, Recommended

Knowing Family History Can Also Help Reduce Risk of Gynecologic Cancer

While some women consider their gynecologist their primary physician, others rarely visit a gynecologist, even to get a routine Pap test, the quick, simple and painless procedure that has proven to be a lifesaver. 

With ever-increasing evidence about the importance of early detection, the physicians at the Center for Gynecologic Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital recommend that all women age 21 or over and those who may be younger but are sexually active have an annual appointment with a gynecologist that includes a Pap test to help identify abnormal – and sometimes pre-cancerous – cells. 

“A routine gynecologic visit is a good rule of thumb for someone who feels fine and has no visible symptoms,” says Norman G. Rosenblum, MD, PhD, Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jefferson Hospital. 

Don’t Wait for Annual Visit If You Experience Anything Abnormal
“In addition to a Pap test,” Dr. Rosenblum adds, “the gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam during a routine visit to further check for gynecologic cancers in the early stage. 

“Of course, if a woman of any age experiences what she would consider unusual – for example, abnormal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, changes in bowel or bladder patterns, or abdominal or pelvic pressure – she should have it evaluated by a general gynecologist quickly,” says Dr. Rosenblum, who is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jefferson Medical College (JMC) of Thomas Jefferson University. 

Know – And Share – Your Family History
“All women should be aware, though, that many gynecologic cancers are not diagnosed until they are at an advanced stage,” says gynecologic oncologist David Silver, MD. “This is why, in addition to noting unusual changes, all women should get to know their family history. 

“Learn about your family histories of cancer, including breast, ovarian, uterine, colon and prostate cancers. Since the genetic risk for ovarian cancer can be transmitted through either the mother or the father, understanding general cancer risk is equally important as understanding a genetic history of one disease. Also, be sure to share your family history of cancer with your gynecologist,” advises Dr. Silver, who is also Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at JMC. 

Good News Regarding Treatment
Should a gynecologic cancer be found, there is good news on the treatment front, both physicians explain.

“For example, endometrial cancer is usually found at an early stage and is likely to be cured,” Dr. Rosenblum says.

If the cancer is found at a later stage and surgery is recommended, “we are very concerned with our patient’s quality of life,” Dr. Silver says. “We balance her quality of life with appropriate treatment.”

For information, or to make an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist at Jefferson, call 1-800-JEFF-NOW.