Let us talk about the real Pap Smear problem (for men too)

You know what the biggest problem is regarding pap smears is?

The number of women who don't get them. The vast number of women who for various reasons don't get an annual pap smear along with a physical. The same goes for men who do not get annual physicals/checkups and their prostate exam. A lot of folks who even have insurance do not take advantage of the very services they pay for...

For those who don't have insurance, we must rally for universal coverage so that all of our brothers and sisters can get proper healthcare.

*note for women..I know that Planned Parenthood will do these exams...for free or reduced rates...don't know about the guys (sorry but please add info if you know it)

But for the people you love...we must do our part to remind them to get checked out at least once a year and to be honest. If it hurts to pee, bend over, or if you noticed a growth on your leg....tell the doctor...in fact write a list down...ignoring problems will not make them go away.

as they chose, based on whatever they want to use to make their decisions.

of the OP.

The newest Gardasil thread is arguing that the medical establishment is pushing the vaccine so that women will get fewer pap smears. The truth is, a huge percentage of the population doesn't get annual physicals and paps as it is.

15 years ago I remember hearing of smears not being properly read, therefore thousands of women were undiagnosed. I remember thinking "Why the hell should I do the exam if they are just going to throw it in the trash?"

I hope this problem has been solved. It pays for the doc to use a reputable lab.

is the overriding fact of the US healthcare system. Many women don't bother because they know if cancer were discovered, they could never afford to be treated.

That's the real truth of the situation, why women don't get pap smears. Either they have enough to keep themselves alive day to day, or they give that up while assuming a crippling amount of debt that destroys whatever future that cancer treatment might extend to them.

Fix the healthcare system, throw the insurance giants out, women will guard their health more closely.

I consider myself to be pretty savvy, usually. but what you just wrote- it makes so much sense... and is so scary... and true... and i never thought of it before. how middle class- privledged am i? i can sit and wonder why "those people" won't get screened.,, and therefore they die- putting a "that was stupid" spin on it. but oh my goodness. the stupidity was all mine.

Thank you, Warpy. You just made me a better person. Who the heck am I to judge? I thank you for opening my eyes to the pathetic reality of the situation. That we live in a country with the "best healthcare"... But only for those who can buy it. Otherwise... it doesn't make a BIT of difference to those who can't afford treatment what kinda new crap we invent to cure those who are permitted to live- by virtue of the fact that they have insurance or money.

I'm angry. and sad. and scared.