HEALTHWISE MAUI
Q: How often should I get a Pap test?
Dr. Jennifer Leeper, OB/GYN, Maui Lani Physicians & Surgeons: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, but when it’s caught early, it has a survival rate of more than 90 percent. That’s why getting regular Pap smears, the screening test for cervical cancer, is so important.
Experts now recommend that most women get a Pap smear every three years, starting at age 21. In some cases, women over age 30 can get the test every five years if it’s combined with testing for HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer.
Your doctor might recommend more frequent screening if you have certain risk factors, including a previous diagnosis of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap test, a weakened immune system, a history of smoking, HIV infection, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic form of estrogen, before birth.
And people who’ve had the HPV vaccine should still get screened every three years since the vaccine only protects against certain strains of HPV.
Some people can stop testing after a hysterectomy, and others stop regular testing after age 65. Whether to continue or not depends on your individual risk factors and whether you are sexually active and have multiple partners.
Doctors previously recommended getting a Pap test every year, but they now know that, because of the rate at which cervical cancer grows, once every three years is enough for most women.
Regular screening means doctors are more likely to catch cancer early when it’s easier to treat. So, talk with your doctor about your risk factors and what’s right for you.
Q: How can I tell if my teenager is just in a bad mood or if something more serious is going on?
Dr. Benjamin Thompson, Psychiatrist, Pacific Permanente Group: Navigating teenage emotions can feel like walking through a maze blindfolded. Remember your teenage years? The roller-coaster of hormones, striving for independence, heartbreaks, and peer pressures. It’s a turbulent time, and mood swings are the norm.
As parents, our instinct is to dig deep and uncover the root cause. But teens, much like oysters, can be reticent, often hiding their pearls of emotion. Instead of grilling them with questions, a better approach might be to make empathic statements about their feelings. For instance, if your daughter seems upset, saying, “Rachel, it seems you’re upset about your friend’s actions,” might open the door to a conversation. Even if you’re off the mark, it might often lead to teenager opening, especially if they can tell a parent, “Your wrong, it is not about my friend”. It does not matter if your empathic statement is wrong or right. Either way, you when because she opened and gave you the “Pearl.”
However, there’s a line between typical teenage moodiness and signs of deeper emotional turmoil. While it’s common for teens to be moody, constant sadness, anger, or withdrawal might indicate something more significant. Telltale signs include withdrawing from friendships, losing interest in activities they once loved, academic challenges, and neglecting personal hygiene. Drastic changes in appetite and sleep patterns, like eating too much or too little or unusual sleep habits, can also be red flags. Some might act out their distress through substance abuse, risky behaviors, or poor decisions.
It’s essential to maintain a stable environment at home: consistent routines for meals, bedtime, activities, and social interactions can provide comfort. And don’t forget about your well-being; by ensuring you’re mentally and physically healthy, you’ll be better equipped to support your teen.
If you suspect your teenager needs more profound support, consulting a doctor or therapist could be beneficial. Always prioritize their safety; if there’s ever a hint of selfharm or suicidal thoughts, seek immediate assistance. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, is a valuable resource. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana‘i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth. org/healthwise.