Letter to Vietnamese Women
Introduction
What is Cervical Cancer?
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Who Can Develop Cervical Cancer?
How Can a Woman Help Prevent Cervical Cancer?
What is a Pap Test?
What to Expect During a Pap Test
Find Out Your Pap Test Results
Pap Test Tips to Remember
Where Do I Get a Pap Test?
How Do I Pay for a Pap Test?
Frequently Asked Questions
For More Information
Letter to Vietnamese Women
[In Vietnamese 1]
I learned about cervical cancer when my
friend died from it. After that, the women
in my family started to talk about this
disease.
My family is religious. My aunt said,
"We cannot stop fate. What will be, will be." In some
cases, I think this is true. But not with cervical cancer.
My friend is a doctor. She told me that a Pap test can
prevent cervical cancer when you get the test regularly
and follow up with your doctor as needed. I am glad
to know that there is something we can do. Now all the
women in my family have Pap tests regularly… - not just
once. We do not want to lose a family member to
cervical cancer!
It was a little embarrassing at first to get the test. But I
had a Pap test because I think nothing could be worse
than the pain I felt when my friend died too soon from
cervical cancer. I come from a family of very strong
women and when something is important for our family,
we do it!
I tell every woman - especially Vietnamese women - to
get a Pap test at least every 3 years and follow up with
their doctor for the results. And get treatment if they
need it. Pap tests save lives.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Le Thi Lam
Introduction
Each year over 10,000 women in the United States are
diagnosed with cervical cancer. Vietnamese-American
women get cervical cancer more often than most
other women.
There is a simple, 5-minute test called the Pap test (or Pap
smear). This test looks for abnormal changes in the cells of
the cervix that could lead to cancer if left untreated. If cell
changes are found early and treated, cervical cancer can be
prevented. Many Vietnamese women do not get regular Pap
tests. Most women who die from cervical cancer never had
a Pap test.
This brochure has information about cervical cancer
that EVERY Vietnamese woman should know to protect
her health.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix. Normally,
cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs
them. When cells grow old, they die and new cells take their
place. Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells form
when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die
when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of
tissue called a tumor, which can be cancer.
The cervix is the narrow, lower part of the uterus (where the
baby grows when a woman is pregnant). The cervix is made
up of cells that are easily tested with a Pap test. |
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Before cancer
appears, the cervix goes through slight changes where cells
that are not normal begin to appear. Later, these abnormal
cells can become cancer cells and start to grow and spread.
Thanks to modern medicine, cervical cancer can be treated
if it is found early. In many cases, cancer can be prevented
altogether. |
"If I have no symptoms, why should
I go see my doctor?"
|
Doctor Nguyen:
"Many women may
have cervical cancer without knowing it
because there are no symptoms at first.
I tell all women to make an appointment
to get a Pap test even if they have no
symptoms. Remember, if it is detected
early, cervical cancer can be cured almost
100 percent of the time."
|
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Almost all cervical cancer begins as an infection from a virus
called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is sexually
transmitted. It is common in women and men. Cervical
cancer is not caused by poor hygiene after sex.
What is HPV? Human papillomavirus (pap-ih-LO-ma-
VYE-rus) is a virus that is sexually transmitted. There
are more than 100 different kinds of HPV. Some of them
produce noncancerous warts. Some types of HPV are
related to cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect early
cell changes caused by HPV before they lead to cervical
cancer. |
"I always use a condom. Should I
worry about getting HPV?"
|
Doctor Nguyen:
"A condom does not
effectively protect against HPV. Even when
a condom is used, HPV can be transmitted
through sexual contact, including vaginal
and anal intercourse, finger to genital
contact and finger to anal contact."
|
Who Can Develop Cervical Cancer?
Any woman can develop cervical cancer. Women who do not
have regular Pap tests have a higher risk of cervical cancer.
Vietnamese women in the United States have a high risk of
getting cervical cancer because many do not get regular
Pap tests.
How Can a Woman Help Prevent Cervical Cancer?
A Pap test is the best way you can protect yourself from
cervical cancer. You should have a Pap test at least once
every 3 years, beginning by age 21. Women who have sex
before age 21 should get a Pap test approximately 3 years
after the first time having sex.
If you turn 21 years old and have not had sex yet, you
should still get a Pap test. You should continue to have
Pap tests at least once every 3 years throughout your life.
Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend
that you have the test more often than that. |
What is a Pap Test?
A Pap test is a very simple way to test the cervix for
abnormal changes in cells that could lead to cancer if not
treated. A Pap test is almost always done with a pelvic
exam. The Pap test does not detect sexually transmitted
diseases. Ask your doctor if you want other tests for these.
What is a pelvic exam? During a pelvic exam, the
female reproductive organs are checked for changes
in size or shape. |
What to Expect During a Pap Test
Before the exam: Your doctor will leave the room. You will
remove your clothes, put on a gown, and put a sheet over
your waist and legs for privacy.
During the exam: Your doctor will insert a small
instrument, called a "speculum," into the vagina to see the
cervix. Your doctor will then use a small swab to collect
cells from your cervix. You may feel a
little discomfort.
After the exam: Your doctor will
send the cells to a lab to see if there
are any abnormal cell changes.
Your doctor will follow up with
you by phone or mail with your
Pap test results. If your doctor
does not follow up with you
within a week or two after your
Pap test, it is important to
contact him or her to get
your results.
When you go for a Pap test, your doctor may ask the
following questions:
- "When did you have your first menstrual period?"
- "Are your periods regular?"
- "How long does your period usually last?"
- "How many sexual partners have you had?"
Do not think, "This doctor is too curious; this is so
embarrassing." Please remember that this is your
doctor's daily work. Your doctor needs this information
in order to help protect your health. |
"I am embarrassed to ask for a
Pap Test. What should I do?"
|
Doctor Nguyen:
"Many women are
embarrassed to remind their doctors to do
Pap tests. Because of our culture, we are not
used to talking about sexual matters and
intimate body parts. So, it takes a brave woman
to ask her doctor for a Pap test, especially if her
doctor is a man. You can ask for a female
provider, such as a nurse, to be in the room. For your health, try
not to be embarrassed - simply ask your doctor to do a Pap test."
|
Find Out Your Pap Test Results
It is very important to follow up with your doctor to get
the results of your Pap test. Every doctor will have his or
her own method of giving patients Pap test results. Before
you leave, ask your doctor how you will be notified of the
results. If your doctor does not contact you with your results
within a week or two following your exam, you should
contact him or her.
If your results are "normal" or "negative"
This means that no abnormal cell changes were
found. You should make an appointment for your
next regularly scheduled Pap test. Remember to
keep that appointment. Depending on the Pap test
results, your doctor may recommend tests more or
less often.
If your results are "abnormal" or "positive"
This means that your Pap test may show abnormal
cell changes in your cervix. You may need to have
the Pap test again. Your doctor will let you know if
you need any other tests. |
An "abnormal" or "positive" Pap test does not mean that
you have cervical cancer. Most women with an abnormal
Pap test do not have cervical cancer. But it is important that
you protect your health by getting the follow-up tests and
care that your doctor suggests.
Doctor Nguyen:
"If someone you know
does not speak English, she can ask for an
interpreter when she schedules her
appointment. She can also ask that the
results of the test be sent in Vietnamese.
Or, she can ask that an interpreter call to
give her the results."
|
Pap Test Tips to Remember
- Do not have a Pap test during your period
(menstruation). The best time to schedule a Pap test
is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of your
last period.
- For about 2 days before the Pap test:
- do not douche
- do not put medicines or spermicidal foams, creams,
or jellies inside the vagina
- Do not have sexual intercourse for 1-2 days before your
Pap test. This may cause unclear results.
Doctor Nguyen:
"Many women who never
had sex before want to know they are still
virgins after a Pap test. The Pap test can be
done without affecting virginity. To lessen
the discomfort, you can ask your doctor to
use the smallest speculum."
|
Where Do I Get a Pap Test?
- At an obstetrician's or gynecologist's office
- At a family doctor's office
- At a health clinic
How Do I Pay for a Pap Test?
Below are ways to pay for a Pap test if you do not have
health insurance.
- If you qualify for Medicaid, you may not have to
pay for the doctor visit or for a Pap test. For more
information, call the Medicaid Information
Line in your state. Visit www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid
for an online listing.
- If you are age 65 or older, Medicare will help pay the
cost of a Pap test, generally once every 2 years. For more
information about Medicare coverage for Pap tests, call
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- If you have a low income or no insurance, you can go
to public hospitals or clinics for Pap tests and pay based
on your income. Some states provide free and low-cost
Pap tests to eligible women who may not be able to
afford the test on their own. For information
about where to go for free or low-cost Pap tests in
your area call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do virgins need Pap tests?
Yes. Every woman should begin to have regular Pap tests
at least by the time she is 21 years old.
Do older women need Pap tests?
If you are 65 years or older, ask your doctor if you should
continue to get Pap tests. Your doctor will tell you how
often you should get one, based on your previous
test results.
Does a woman need Pap tests after a
hysterectomy?
Women who had their uterus removed because of
cervical pre-cancer or other cancer may still need to get
regular Pap tests. You should talk to your doctor if you
are not sure about this issue.
Do women who have gone through menopause
need Pap tests?
Yes, because cervical cancer can appear after
menopause.
For More Information
You can ask for more copies of this booklet, talk with a
representative from the National Cancer Institute, or read
brochures online.
- Toll-free phone number:
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
- TTY number: 1-800-332-8615
- Internet: www.cancer.gov
Remember, most women who die from cervical cancer
never had a Pap test. A Pap test is the best way a woman
can protect herself from cervical cancer.
Doctor Nguyen:
"Please make an
appointment with your doctor for a Pap test
and remember to keep that appointment.
Also, remember that Pap tests must be a
regular part of how you and other women in
your family stay healthy for life. Get a Pap
test as often as you should and follow up
with your doctor every time to get
your results."
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