The authors have a paradigm-altering hypothesis.

"Our data suggest that the decline [at menopause] appears to be an artifact resulting from, at least in part, failure to correct for hysterectomy prevalence," they write. There is a "potential role of aging in the natural history of cervical cancer," they argue.

The screening process drops a group of women right at the moment of their greatest need, suggested senior author Patti Gravitt, PhD, from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.

The authors point out that cervical cancer rates have declined in black women in the United States over the past 30 years, but disparities in incidence "may be even greater than previously recognized, especially among older women."

So if your Doctor tells you that at your age you no longer need a pap smear, I would  RUN !

He or she is obviously not up on the current literature about this.

If you are not up to date on your Pap smear, this is a good time to schedule it. I am happy to help,as usual.

 I perform Pap smears in my office at no additional charge if performed with the pelvic ultrasound.

If you are on Bio-identical hormone replacement, I recommend getting both the Pap and pelvic ultrasound on a yearly basis. 

Call the office if you would like more information.