HPV test could have been a lifesaver

My wife had a Pap smear every year of her adult life [“HPV Test or Pap: Understanding the Choices,” July 2]. I know, because I was with her since the 11th grade.

When doctors found cervical cancer it was stage IVB, no treatment, no cure. She was the “one in a thousand,” and died a year later at a too-young 57 years old. If HPV tests had been in use she might have had a chance.

Take the test. Even if the results are confusing, as Dr. Valerie Ulene writes, it may generate greater attention, which in turn may save your life.

NEIL REICHLINE

Tarzana

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While Dr. Valerie Ulene mentioned that the HPV test can be beneficial for women who don’t get regular Pap smears, I want to point out that it is also important for those who do. My own personal experience has taught me that the Pap smear alone -- no matter how many times you have it -- is not always enough.

Earlier this year at my gynecological exam, my doctor gave me both the Pap and HPV tests. My Pap test came back normal (as it had for the last 19 years!), but we were surprised by my positive HPV test results. After being retested a few months later, my Pap came back abnormal and my HPV test was still positive. Based on these results, my doctor took a closer look and discovered that I had pre-cancerous cervical cells.

Luckily, I was able to have these bad cells removed without going through any major surgeries or drastic treatments. If I hadn’t had the HPV test, I would have waited a full year before having another Pap, and I could have easily gotten full-blown cancer.

As a busy mother of five, I feel extremely thankful for the HPV test. Women should take advantage of the new technology that’s available to help keep them safe, especially when it doesn’t require an additional appointment or any effort beyond simply asking to get the test done.

JODI MCKINNEY

Bethlehem Township, N.J.