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It’s Not a Very Pappy Subject

November 12, 2012 By Lena

Since I don’t make a habit of talking vajayjays on my blog, the subject matter is a teeny bit uncomfortable for me.

However, for the Canadian Cancer Society, I always make an exception.

Ladies, I know you hate it. If you didn’t – well frankly, I’d be concerned. But ask yourself – when was the last time you had a pap test? If it was between 1-3 years ago, good girl. You’re taking care of your vajayjay and for that you deserve a gold star. But if it’s been more than 3 years – ahem, isn’t it time to bring the ol’ wagon into the shop?

Here’s the deal: Pap tests save lives. Benefits of regular screening include:

  • Early detection of precancerous cervical changes: Cervical cancer develops from precancerous cervical changes. Screening helps to identify these changes early so they can be treated or watched, preventing cervical cancer from developing.
  • Earlier detection of cancer: The Pap test can help detect (find) early stage cervical cancer. In most cases, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better your chance of survival. Early detection may also mean less treatment and less time spent recovering.
  • Reducing the anxiety of “not knowing”: Many people prefer to have ‘check-ups’, just like a physical exam with your family doctor.

I know it’s one of the more unsavory tests, but even I know that they can’t be avoided. And if you’ve got your ear plugs and blinders on right now, consider this:

Shannon Pethick was just 32-years-old when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She hadn’t had a Pap test in six to seven years, which finds changes in cervical cells that could lead to cancer. Shannon is now cancer-free, but sadly, the radiation treatments she underwent put her into menopause at 32 and she’s unable to have children.

(She’s currently a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer dedicated to educating women about the importance of Paps.)

So before I get off the subject of lady bits, just do me a favour and call your doctor to schedule an appointment. For the big day, I recommend Cha-Cha-Cha by China Glaze on your toes. Get it? Cha-cha? I’m so funny.

Women who want to learn more about cervical cancer screening are encouraged to speak with their doctor or nurse, or visit www.ontario.ca/screenforlife. 

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Canadian Cancer Society, Cervical Cancer Awareness, women's health

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shauna MacKenzie

    November 12, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    Haha! Love the Cha-Cha-Cha!! Great post about a very important subject! This test should be done every year, as a part of a woman’s yearly physical. Thank you for spreading awareness!

    • Lena

      November 13, 2012 at 2:30 pm

      Hahaha glad you liked it! My husband caught me Googling “Cha-cha” and “Nail Polish” and he said, “Whatever you’re thinking of, I’m in.” LOL!

  2. Sophia

    November 13, 2012 at 12:48 am

    Kudos on spreading awareness on this topic!

    • Lena

      November 13, 2012 at 2:31 pm

      Thank you Sophia!

  3. Stacie

    November 13, 2012 at 8:14 am

    I just had one yesterday! It had been 4 years for me. We moved to NS in 2009 and there’s a doctor shortage here and I couldn’t find anyone to do one for me. It made me nervous for sure!
    Luckily I just got a family doctor and the first thing I booked was a pap test. I hate doing them but I know they are necessary.

    • Lena

      November 13, 2012 at 2:31 pm

      Is it weird for me to say I’m proud of you Stacie? Happy that you’re taking care of – you know!

  4. Kat E.

    November 13, 2012 at 2:24 pm

    Wonderful post – great getting the message out!

    • Lena

      November 13, 2012 at 2:32 pm

      Thanks Kat!

  5. Lisa H

    November 13, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Every year for me! I have found having a female Doctor I get all the ‘girlie’ exams much more often. Not that Im more comfortable with a woman, over the previous men – but the male Doctors weren’t so proactive with it. I even had a young male Doc stear me away from starting mamograms – so I get tested on my own regularly.

    • Lena

      November 14, 2012 at 7:05 am

      You know what? I never thought of having a female doctor as a reason to stay proactive with the “girlie” exams, but you may be correct! Happy to see that you stay on top of them!

  6. dannyscotland

    November 13, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    I get one every year during my routine exam.. To me, they’re no worse than the exam itself. None of it’s fun, but shoot, I’d rather go through a few moments of discomfort and live a healthy life watching my babies grow up than skip it. My mom never ever goes to the doctor. I literally cannot remember a time she has gone. Ever. I worry about her because cancer runs in our family, and for her, all of her aunts and uncles on her mother’s side died of some form of cancer, and her father died of liver and lung cancer. She’s also a smoker, which makes it all worse. So for me, it’s like a horrible waiting game. Waiting for her to get cancer, which we won’t know about until something catastrophic happens and someone else puts her in the hospital. Just like my grandfather. We didn’t know he had cancer until one morning he had no idea what season it was, what day, or anything, and my grandmother called his regular doctor who had him admitted to the hospital. After testing, they discovered the cancer but it was way too late and in about 2 weeks he was gone. I fully expect the same to happen with my mom. It’s awful to live with this, but I can’t force her to go, so I just try to love and enjoy her while she’s here and do a better job taking care of myself for my children. I don’t want them to live with this kind of worry and fear simply because I don’t like the doctor.

    • Lena

      November 14, 2012 at 7:07 am

      Oh dear, I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I can relate though – my father is the same way. It’s a struggle for my mom to get him to see the doctor. I really hope that your mom stays healthy and has many more years to enjoy with your family. And, proud of you for staying on top of your health.

  7. Natasha W

    November 13, 2012 at 11:43 pm

    Great reminder of what we should always remember to check

    • Lena

      November 14, 2012 at 7:07 am

      Indeed! Thanks Natasha!

  8. angie s

    November 14, 2012 at 9:00 am

    thanks for the reminder Lena. I am okay had mine recently – but honestly that was after avoiding it for 4 years!! :( for shame

    • Lena

      November 16, 2012 at 3:22 pm

      Still very proud of you for getting the pap. And now you know not to wait four years again!

  9. Victoria Ess

    November 14, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    That’s for the reminder Lena. I used to get regular yearly check-ups and unfortunately, I haven’t gone in 4-5 years now. We all do have to remember to put our health first.

    • Lena

      November 16, 2012 at 3:23 pm

      Please do Victoria! It’s so easy to let these things slip our mind. Time to make that appointment!

  10. Lindsay

    November 14, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    This is a good reminder, I hadn’t been in about 5 years because really it isn’t any fun. I bit the bullet and went last month, I am glad I did.

    • Lena

      November 16, 2012 at 3:24 pm

      Awesome Lindsay, so glad you did! It’s so common for women to let a few years slip by… we really have to stay on top of it.

  11. Nicole W.

    November 14, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Great post, such an important topic. But man, do I hate getting them! My last was two years ago! Almost time to head back :(

    • Lena

      November 16, 2012 at 3:25 pm

      I know, they’re a drag :( But consider this, since it’s only 3 minutes every 3 years, when you think about it like that, it’s nothing!

  12. Nancy

    November 15, 2012 at 8:30 am

    I used to get my hoo checked every 6 months! That’s how “anal” (lol pardon the not-so pun) I was about staying healthy. I honestly would rather go see my Gyno than see my Dentist. Just sayin’

    • Lena

      November 16, 2012 at 3:26 pm

      OMG. I wish I had a TMI key on my keyboard, but then again, this post is about hoohas so I guess I’m inviting these kinds of comments. Proud of you for being anal about it!

  13. Mag

    November 15, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    I had mine done for this year already.

    • Lena

      November 16, 2012 at 3:26 pm

      Good girl!

  14. Deb H

    November 20, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Just got mine done; it had been a couple of years since the last one!

    • Lena

      December 1, 2012 at 11:00 am

      Awesome – so glad you’re staying on top of your health!

  15. Yash

    November 29, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Great reminder to us all – thanks for posting!

    • Lena

      December 1, 2012 at 11:01 am

      You’re welcome Yash – here’s to a happy and healthy 2013!

  16. Tania B

    December 20, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Pap smears are one of those things in life we women just simply have to do. We don’t like them but they are so incredibly important in our overall health. Thanks for being brave enough to write this post!

  17. Debbie Bashford

    February 19, 2013 at 10:34 am

    It literally has been many years for me, I don’t need them anymore as I had a total hysterectomy

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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