One in four United States women are infected with human papilloa virus (HPV), which certain strains of the virus are linked to cancer, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention report. Fortunately, there is a way to detect cervical cancer, as well as infections, and the Office of Student Health Services offers the service.
“The Pap Smear is a cervical cancer screening test for women,” stated Angelina Cantrell, director for the office of Student Health Services and certified nurse practitioner.
The fee for the exam was $16; however, beginning Apr 1st the cost will increase to $20.
Pap smear exams are recommended for all women who are sexually active or are 21 years and older. Women should speak with their doctor in order to determine how often pap smear tests should be done, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“The procedure itself is short,” stated Cantrell, “if it’s the patient’s first pap smear, we explain everything before hand. We show the ‘kit’ used for the procedure and tell them that they are in control. If they find they want to stop the procedure, at that point it is stopped.”
“The first one is more scary than you would think,” stated a student who wishes to remain anonymous, “but when it’s over all that’s left if relief. The exam is done and you don’t have to worry.”
Another student explained her positive experience once she took the exam.
“I felt comfortable. It made me realize that it’s not a big deal. It’s a way of staying healthy,” said Amalia Rios, an early childhood education major.
Nursing student, Mary Bonilla, expressed her enthusiasm and encourages other women to get the exam done as well. “I think women should go, especially in school where it’s available to us. It is something every woman should do. I intend to go.”
Unfortunately, not all females feel this way about the exam. Some are uncomfortable with the thought of the exam or having a male conduct the procedure. Cantrell acknowledges that women have their concerns; however, she states, “we always have another full time female employee standing beside them that will hold their hand if they would like and provide verbal encouragement.”
Cantrell states that women should take the matter seriously. “In the US, thousands of women develop cervical cancer each year and die needlessly because early detection and treatment [weren’t conducted].”
Cantrell said a new vaccine, called Gardasil, targets four of the leading viruses that are linked to cervical cancer. She explained that the student health office can order the vaccine for students who are interested.
Individuals at the Office of Student Health Services are there to discuss this and other matters with students, such contraception, STDs, self-breast-examinations, and so forth.