(source)
Have we forgotten the pap smear (pap test) in our routine women’s health arsenal? As a medical person, I keep abreast of things like this, and I don’t hear about pap smears anymore…have you? From age 25 to 55, I had one every 3-5 years.
However, in the last 15 years, I have seen ads for Gardasil vaccines (and flu shots) pretty much everywhere…
A Very Short History of the Pap Smear
- In 1960, only 30 percent of American women had ever had a Pap smear, and 40% had never even heard of it.
- By the mid-1970s, over 50% of women were having annual Pap smears, and
- By 1980 women having pap smears jumped to 80%. And deaths from cervical cancer declined by almost 70%. (source)
Today, there still are over 4,500 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed annually, with most of these occurring in women who have NEVER had a Pap smear.
- By 1992, it was discovered that cervical cancer was causally related to the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus (the most common STD),…
- and by 2003 it became possible to detect the HPV virus from the Pap smear sample itself, enabling doctors to identify high-risk women.
The American Cancer Association itself says:
“A well-proven way to prevent cervical cancer is to have testing (screening)… the Pap test (or Pap smear) and the brand new human papillomavirus (HPV) test are used for this.”
If a pre-cancer is found it can be treated, stopping cervical cancer before it really starts. Most invasive cervical cancers are found in women who have not had regular Pap tests.”
Then Along Came the HPV vaccine…
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration licensed the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer caused by certain strains of HPV. That vaccine was Gardasil made by Merck & Co. (source – What Happened to the Pap Smear?)
(Be informed that more than 90% of those who become infected with HPV naturally clear the infection from the body within 2 years. (4))
“The incidence of cervical cancer deaths are 1.4-1.7/100,000. There are 15 (known) of 100 different strains of human papilloma virus, and the vaccines reportedly protect against 2 of these. The natural course of infection with any of these strains has been demonstrated to involve resolution of 70% of infections within one year and 90% within 2-3 years.” ~Dr. Kelly Brogan
Could it be that there isn’t much money to be made from pap smears (tests) where there are large profits from vaccine sales? I could be wrong, but I find it suspicious.
Adverse Events Reported For HPV Vaccines
The Gardasil vaccine has had a lot of bad press and the VAERS reporting has shown that. These adverse events include: deaths, convulsions, facial palsy, anaphylaxis, paralysis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, paraesthesia, demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (i.e., multiple sclerosis and acute disseminating encephalomyelitis), Guillain-Barre´ syndrome (GBS), transverse myelitis, facial palsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disorders, pancreatitis, visual impairments and spontaneous abortions.
Note: It is estimated that only between 1% to 10% of vaccine adverse events are reported to VAERS. 6, 7, 8 9 .
(Source)
I have written on this a lot as I have seen too much.
- Gardasil & Lyme: One Woman’s Life-Altering Adverse Reaction to Vaccine
- Examining Concerns and Data On the HPV Vaccine Gardasil
- Discussion: Did HPV Vaccine Cause This Woman’s Stage 3 Cancer?
The Word ‘Gardasil’ Is No Longer on Ads
This was pointed out to me by an observant young woman. The pic on the right (below) is of one of the ads in her BH&G magazine.
If you’ll notice, the HPV vaccine is not marketed as Gardasil anymore. Merck is the maker of “both” Gardasil and the HPV vaccine that’s being advertised now. My friend (and I) are disturbed that they are wielding fear and guilt against parents to sell these vaccines.
I hope moms and dads will become fully informed before falling for the fear and guilt tactics. Please think for yourself and do not follow the crowd.
No More Amnesia! Remember the Pap Smear
Pap smears are well worth the time if you ask me vs. a vaccine that can cause terrible side effects and even death!
(As of October, 2018), New Screening Tests Exist for HPV-related Diseases
CDC (see the 2 admissions here!): “The Pap test (1.) can find abnormal cells on the cervix so that they can be removed before cancer develops. And an HPV DNA test, which can find certain HPV types on a woman’s cervix, may also be used with a Pap test in certain cases (called co-testing). (2.) Even women who were vaccinated when they were younger need regular cervical cancer screening because the vaccines do not protect against all cervical cancers.”
NBC News (August, 2018): “New cervical cancer screening recommendations out Tuesday may make Pap smears a thing of the past for women over 30. For women under 30, the Pap smear is still the best option” and “In the U.S., our biggest challenge is reaching women who have not been screened.”
CNBC similarly states, “…some evidence shows that HPV tests are more sensitive than conventional Pap tests, meaning they correctly identify more people at risk for cervical cancer. They may also allow for a longer time between screenings since they detect the virus before it has the chance to cause cellular changes.”
So, if these statements are true, the HPV vaccine is (I’m not trying to be funny) overkill, beside the point, a big gamble if you get proper screening including pap smears and after 30, new cervical cancer screening. Be informed before you give your consent.
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” ~3 John 1:2
Melissa
My gyn told me that it’s protocol to not do a pap on women in monogamous relationships when they are older (not sure what older is, I’m 43) and they have had all clear paps. So now I don’t get one every year either. I went two years in a row and she did a pelvic exam, but no pap (does insurance not pay for it now?). I am due next month so I need to get that scheduled and I think I will be getting the pap this next time. So confusing for sure, it used to be every year and why not. It’s not an invasion test. Of course no one likes those types of exams, but it’s for your hurt and doesn’t hurt one bit. No HPV vax for my kids. I figure if they want to it, they can do it once they are 18 and can make the decision themselves.
Jacqueline
Melissa, I think there are different protocols in different offices as is often the case, but it is confusing bc the standard keeps changing especially now that they are pushing the HPV vaccine. Anyway, I just felt it needed to be brought to attention so parents would understand (be informed) there is something that will safeguard their child and they won’t have do feel guilty if they pass on the HPV vaccine.
God bless you and your coming baby! I think it is a wise move even if monogamous (which is also very wise) 😀
Erica Kennedy
I chose to pass on all pelvic exams for my young daughters and they still do so, after many grandchildren. Until they are in their last months of pregnancy, it is not even a question. We also chose to pass on the vaccine, although the doctors always pushed. I personally had the PAP during my childbearing years, but choose to pass since. Now that I am 70, my D.O. offers it every year, but I still pass. My doctor knows that I will pass on all vaccines but still offers them. I think that is an insurance issue. I know that my insurance has always covered PAPS, for a personal fact. I don’t know about other people’s policies, though. As a former insurance industry professional, I read all policies and legal documents.
Jacqueline
Hi, Erika!
I personally haven’t had a pap smear since I was 40 and still very much in the traditional medical system’s grasp.
I agree with you now, and our daughters also were all virgins and monogamous with their husbands so why do the pap smear!?
Thank you for sharing your story!
Yeah, any vaccine is off the table for all of us!
This is likely why your doctor still asks you about vaccines (even for adults!):
https://deeprootsathome.com/how-to-choose-a-pediatrician-that-is-right-for-you-your-child/
Blessings to you! ~J
Jeannette
Doctors!
I had a massive infection (sepsis) and emergency hysterectomy at age 43. My doctor later pushed for a PAP. I said, “but I don’t even have a uterus!” His response was that there are still cells there to be checked. Um, ok. A few years later, same discussion, and he said, “you don’t need a PAP since you’ve had a hysterectomy.” Huh? That’s what I said , before!
Also, our daughter was engaged at age 22, and had her first Gyno app’t. The doctor pushed for Gardasil, but daughter and fiancee were both virgins. Doctor was very surprised, and probably doubtful, but she didn’t push any further.
Jacqueline
Hi, Jeannette!
It is so duplicitous to say you need a pap smear after a hysterectomy and then, “you don’t need a PAP since you’ve had a hysterectomy.”
He forgot he lied to you the first time! That is the problem with a lie (even a small one)…
you can never be wise or smart enough to remember what you told someone!
I just mentioned to another friend here on these comments the same thing about our daughters … all virgins… all don’t need Gardasil or a pap!
I am so glad to know there are still young women and men who are saving it for their lifelong (chosen by God) partners!
Blessings to you! ~J