Abnormal Pap Smears: What Every Woman Needs to Know [Paperback]

Lynda Rushing M.D. (Author), Nancy Joste M.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2001

Millions of women experience abnormal Pap smears each year, but how many of these patients know what the test screens for, what they can do to ensure optimal results, how laboratory errors can affect their results, what various diagnoses mean, and what to expect in follow-up and treatment procedures? Rushing, medical director of cytology and gynecologic pathology at Pathology Services, Inc., and Joste, a medical doctor and associate professor of pathology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, cover these topics and more. They also consider the link between cervical cancer and human papillomaviruses, new Pap smear technologies, suggestions on how to deal with a cervical cancer diagnosis, cervical cancer prevention, personal stories from women who have experienced abnormal Pap smears, and a Pap smear FAQ. Selected chapter references, a glossary, and a very brief appendix featuring general references, web sites, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers complete the book.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Millions of women experience abnormal Pap smears each year, but how many of these patients know what the test screens for, what they can do to ensure optimal results, how laboratory errors can affect their results, what various diagnoses mean, and what to expect in follow-up and treatment procedures? Rushing, medical director of cytology and gynecologic pathology at Pathology Services, Inc., and Joste, a medical doctor and associate professor of pathology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, cover these topics and more. They also consider the link between cervical cancer and human papillomaviruses, new Pap smear technologies, suggestions on how to deal with a cervical cancer diagnosis, cervical cancer prevention, personal stories from women who have experienced abnormal Pap smears, and a Pap smear FAQ. Selected chapter references, a glossary, and a very brief appendix featuring general references, web sites, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers complete the book. The authors do an excellent job of explaining concepts, procedures, and test results, but the frequent, albeit necessary, use of medical terminology and acronyms may make some readers' heads spin. Still, this book fills a void in women's consumer health literature. Recommended for public libraries and other libraries with consumer health collections. (Index not seen.) Samantha J. Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Rushing and Joste, experts in pathology and laboratory tests, first describe typical Pap smears and the various procedures, methods, interpretations, and possible errors associated with them. Then they discuss research projects and the improvements of the procedure that they may produce. They point out that cervical cancer, caused by the human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted disease, and that sexually active women do well to be tested for the virus when they have a Pap smear; and they comment, sometimes caustically, on popular claims made about ways to avoid cancer. Short accounts of several women's experiences bring the dry science to life and underline the authors' points. Including advice for obtaining the best-quality Pap smear, the book concludes with a glossary and lists of references and further sources. William Beatty
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 1 edition (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573929298
• ISBN-13: 978-1573929295
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #887,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with information we and our daughters need to know., October 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Abnormal Pap Smears: What Every Woman Needs to Know (Paperback)

I never fully understood the mystery of pap smears, and I was never really sure that I could trust the results (happily, always negative). This book fleshed out my understanding of paps, and answered the many questions I have had about them but never could quite articulate to my doctor. Further, little did I realize the significant link between sexually transmitted viruses and diseases and their potential, long-term effects until I read this book. I am much better informed now.

This book is for every woman.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of cancer, February 7, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abnormal Pap Smears: What Every Woman Needs to Know (Paperback)

Pap smears detect cervical cancer but there's a major difference between different types of abnormal pap smears, from full-blown cancers to results which are atypical yet benign. Abnormal Pap Smears not only helps consumers understand the differences; it also suggests lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of precancers and cancers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have to take control of your health, February 28, 2009

By 

Rebecca "Love to read, and Audible has made t... (Lakewood, CO, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Abnormal Pap Smears: What Every Woman Needs to Know (Revised & Updated) (Paperback)

Written in clear language, and organized logically - this book is a must for any woman who has first received the news she has an abnormal Pap Smear. It's also good for those of us with on-going issues to better understand terminology and processes, and to see what is current and ahead in the area of HPV/cervical cancer research. I'm definitely suggesting to all of my friends, along with pushing how important it is to get your annual healthy woman exam.

I began having abnormal Pap smears. This book definitely helped me understand my journey a bit better, and the connection of HPV/cervical cancer. It also helped with understanding some of the terminology I was told before my colposcopies, LEEPs, and biopsies. After my first doctor suggested a hysterectomy after 2 years of low-grade dysplasia and I searched other opinions. This book re-enforces my pushing and visiting other doctors, including a gynecological oncologist who told me to keep testing as long as I have low-grade dysplasia and referred me to a wonderful OB/GYN who encourages questions and uses terminology a non-doctor can understand.

This book might have prevented some of the anxiety and perhaps unneeded tests, and definitely will help me better partner with my current doctor. It is key to have a good relationship and communication with your doctor.

I finally came back with a normal biopsy, and I'm hoping for more of the same in the future.