According to research, reasons cited by women for not having an annual gynecological exam include embarrassment, dislike of one's physician and lack of money. However, the most common reason cited is, ironically, the idea that an exam is not necessary unless one is experiencing some type of problem.

According to OCH Regional Medical Center Staff Obstetrician/Gynecologist Jan Furniss, MD, who practices at Starkville Clinic for Women, this perception is absolutely incorrect. "It is so ironic that a number of women are under the impression that they don't need to see their physician unless they have a problem, when in fact, it's often through a routine examination that a problem is first found," she said. "Every woman should be aware of this. Early stages of breast, cervical and ovarian cancer have few obvious symptoms; therefore, an annual professional exam is critical in helping detect them." The physician said, furthermore, that research has shown when these ailments are detected during a routine exam, before symptoms arise, patients have a much better chance of surviving cancer five years or longer.

Although exams may vary slightly, according to Dr. Furniss, the basic elements of a thorough gynecological examination include checking the patient's height, weight and blood pressure. The exam also includes a breast and pelvic exam with a Pap smear. Dr. Furniss explained that a pelvic exam includes a Pap smear as well as an internal exam to palpate the uterus and ovaries, and in certain circumstances includes a digital rectal exam.

"The death rate of women with cervical cancer has decreased by about 70 percent since the 1940s, largely because so many women have been screened by Pap smears," Dr. Furniss said. A Pap smear can also occasionally help identify endometrial cancer and, in rare instances, ovarian cancer, although the test is not specific for these cancers.

However, according to Dr. Furniss, the importance of the Pap smear test is not that it can actually detect cancer, but that it can help prevent it by detecting precancerous changes in the cervical cells, which can be destroyed. Cervical cancer, occurring mostly in those over 40, may spread throughout the body and eventually cause death. However, like many other cancers, if detected early, it can often be cured completely, Dr. Furniss said.

Unlike cancer of the cervix, cancer of the ovary is very difficult to detect in its early stages. This is because the ovaries are located deep within a woman's lower abdomen, so swelling may not be noticed until the disease is well advanced, the obstetrician/gynecologist said. "If ovarian cancer is not discovered and treated promptly, it can be fatal within a few months or years. But, if the growth is discovered and treated promptly, there is a chance of a complete cure," she said. "There are actually no good screening tests specifically for ovarian cancer. This is just another example of why an annual gynecological exam is so important."

Women are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-exam (BSE) to help in the early detection of breast cancer, which kills more than 46,000 women each year. However, breast exam by a physician, such as the one during a routine annual exam, adds extra assurance that there are no abnormalities, according to Dr. Furniss.

"Early detection is every woman's best defense against all types of cancer. Many women think it will never happen to them, but it can," she said. "Remember, finding abnormalities at the onset increases your chances of a full recovery. Don't take a chance; see your personal physician for a checkup every year-- whether you feel sick or not."

For more information or an appointment with Dr. Furniss, call Starkville Clinic for Women at (662) 323-4427 during regular business hours.