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Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Dwight Im

PAP Tests Vital To Avoid Cervical Cancer — Dr. Dwight Im, Gynecologic Oncologist At Mercy, Discusses Possible Link Between Obesity And Cervical Cancer

A new study shows that many women are skipping their pap smear screening for cervical cancer because of their weight.

Yvonne Gephardt said she put off a gynecological exam for more than 10 years but eventually had one — a life-saving decision because her doctor discovered she had cervical cancer.

"I was fortunate, according to Dr. Im, in that my particular condition involved a very slow growing tumor," Gephardt said.

She said she avoided her exam for financial reasons, but Dr. Dwight Im, Co-Director of The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy, said a new study shows women are also avoiding pap tests because of their weight.

"It turns out that obese women are at a higher risk for cervical cancer and we don't know why, but that's just a finding that people have discovered," Im said.

According to the study, obese women are 40 to 50 percent more likely to develop cervical cancer. Im said he thinks he knows why many obese women avoid the test.

"There is that fear of finding something wrong, they're embarrassed, the examination itself may hurt because of the way it may be more difficult for the doctor to perform a good pelvic examination," Dr. Im said.

He said cervical cancer can be prevented if you get the proper screening.

"The No. 1 reason for getting cervical cancer is that you did not have a pap smear in the last five years," he said.

Dr. Im further noted that the frequency of a cervical cancer screening depends on your health and risk factors so it is best to check with your doctor.

For more information, contact the Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy at 410-332-9205.