When can women stop having pap smears?

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: It's very important that you reply to this letter, because it involves a number of women who are 75 and older. I am 81. Two years ago, my doctor suggested that I get a Pap smear. It turned out negative. I moved and changed doctors. When I asked for a Pap smear with my new doctor, he said that women my age do not need one. I called a close friend who happens to be a physician. He said that my doctor's statement was not true, and that I should demand a Pap smear.

Who's right? I am very concerned about this. -R.J.

ANSWER: Prestigious medical organizations that set the standards for medical testing have endorsed a policy that allows women at certain ages to stop having Pap smears. They can stop if they have had three normal smears and have had no abnormal smears in the past 10 years.

The organizations and their suggestion for the age of stopping are: the American Cancer Society says to stop at age 70; the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that the age of stopping is a matter to be decided on an individual basis; the US Preventive Services Task Force picks 65 as the age when Pap testing can be terminated. The booklet on cervical cancer and Pap smears goes into these topics more thoroughly. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -No. 1102, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6.75 Can. with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.