Cancer Survivor Weary of New Guidelines for Women

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Nov 20, 2009 at 5:33 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 5:33 PM CST

DUBUQUE - A doctors' group proposes a big change in medical care for women. But one Dubuque cancer survivor urges others to ignore the new pap smear recommendations.

First came new guidelines for mammograms. Now women are getting new rules about pap smears. That exam might not be necessary every year according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Mary Fuhrman was living a normal life. But last fall, the then 66-year-old noticed discomfort while exercising. So she asked her health care provider to check it out.

"I kept looking around the room saying, who are you talking to? Me? Because it was such a shock," Fuhrman said.

That pain was a sign of cancer in her fallopian tubes. She says that pap smear, saved her life.

"If I had waited any longer it would have been like stage four. And for any cancer the early detection is key, so that's why I am not really sure where all this is coming from."

Fuhrman is also a Nurse Educator for the University of Iowa, and believes the guideline changes could be politically motivated.

She says she might have died, even by following existing guidelines. Those suggest women over the age of 65 with a clear history no longer need pap smears.

"Not true because mine was after 65 and I had three good ones prior to that."

New guidelines recommend women age 30 and older get tested once every three years if they've had three consecutive clear tests.

Routine paps to begin at age 21.

In the past health experts recommended women get their first test within three years of first having sex.

None of that sits well with Fuhrman.

"I feel like I have been to hell and back with it all and just with in a year. But I am thankful for what I have."

She's thankful for routine tests, no matter her age.

Next Article Dubuque Group Pushes Prayer at Council Meetings

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