I know, if pap smears weren't bad enough, there's another pap health experts are talking about, but before you groan about yet another uncomfortable test, please take a few seconds and read this post. It could be a life-saving move ...
Farrah Fawcett, who died of anal cancer last year, shined a spotlight on a form of cancer that is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Now, one university is taking a stand to make sure students get tested for and educated about anal cancer, an often sneaky and deadly disease.
Officials at The University of Texas at El Paso Student Health Center say they are the first university to offer something called the "anal pap." The new medical procedure is similar to the standard cervical pap smear, except that cell samples are taken from the anus using a soft swab. The specimen is then sent to a lab where technicians look through a microscope to search for abnormalities that could signal chances for anal cancer.
Anal cancer is thought to be linked to the Human Papilloma Virus. And, although fairly rare, the rates of anal cancer in men and women are on the rise, according to the American Cancer Society.
Should you get an anal pap? Maybe. If you have had unprotected sex or have showed sings of HPV or tested postive, it's at least worth a discussion with your doctor.
I'm curious, had you heard about anal paps?
P.S. More proof than ever that safe sex is soooo important: some STDs are turning into incurable superbugs. Gross! Plus, the surprising health benefit associated with ... birth control pills. And, safe sex in a hot tub? What's true and what's not.
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