My mom just asked me a great question, that I'm not sure what the answer is! While I'm researching, I thought I'd ask you all as well.

My mom had a hysterectomy many years ago, and was just told by her doctor today that the "new protocol" is that "pap smears are no longer needed".

Is this an age-related thing (my mom is mid-60's) or a hysterectomy-related new protocol? She still has her cervix, and since the pap smear tests for abnormal cells or changes in the cervix, why the "new protocol"?

So, the question is: have you been told the same thing by your doctor? Where can I go to look for "new protocols"? What do you think about this...what would you do?

thanks!