Should I give up pap tests now that I can simply get an annual HPV test? Which is better and more accurate?

Thanks!

My favorite and most important person, My Mother, had breast cancer two years ago. She had a masectomy removing her left breast, which she also happens to be left handed.

My Mother is the kind of gal with an "S" on her chest for Superwoman, never complains and would never let you know that she can't do something. This past weekend, she came for a visit and I really noticed a drastic change in her. In every culture it is called 'PAIN'.

I had a lump in my neck on the left side above where my shoulder the size of a marble. I went to the dr. and also had been really overly tired for about a month. They ran my blood for mono, and several other things. I also have thyroid disease so they ran my blood to test for that. When they called back, (3 days later) they said that my white blood cells are low and I had an increase in lymphocytes. She first told me that I probably had a viral infection, unless I get more lumps in my neck or elsewhere.

Is it better to only wear deoderant? I believe anti-perspirants are not as safe because they actually block the body from perspiring, and have components (ingredients) in them that can lead to an increase in cancer risks, instead of a deoderant that just keeps a person fresh.

Although what's not considered a cancer risk these days...

Any thoughts on this?

I know this question sounds really odd but I have read and heard several times that all of us actually carry around cancerous cells (or the potential of it) in our bodies.

And due to stress, a compromised immune system or other variables, some of us actually get full blown cancer, and the rest of us remain with the cancer never fully realizing itself.

Does anyone know anything about this train of thought?

I live in Scottsdale and have encountered a kiosk at the mall for Weight Loss and green tea. Because I am a breast cancer survivor I am solely interested in the Green Tea's health factor. This product is in powdered form that you add to a bottle of water (during the summer we drink loads of water). I have tasted the mocha flavor and it tastes terrific ( I prefer coffee to tea). It is caffeine free and supposed to be as effective as drinking 50 cups of green tea! I would love to know if this product is as good (and healthy) as they say.

I read lots in the media about prevention, which is great, but very little about what might help those of us who are already living with cancer. I am (so far) a 7-year survivor, and want to live many more years. I'd like to know if some of these preventive treatments would also be helpful for women like me, and what the new treatments are for us as well.

ABC ran a pretty interesting story about women who are having their daughters tested for breast cancer if they have a history of the condition in their families. While many women are also opting out of the tests for their children, there is no shortage of controversy.

What are your thoughts? If you were a woman with a strong family history of breast cancer, would you want your young daughter tested? Would it cause unnecessary worry? Do you consider it proactive?

I hear alot about Stage 1 Breast Cancer or Stag 2 breast cancer, but don't know what that means. Do you know anyone who can explain the differences?

Should women whose relatives died of cancer cover themselves with specialist cancer insurance? I've heard of a number of products and also private medical insurance but not sure what the differences are. I'm based in the UK.