Counterpoint Essay

After reviewing two articles, I support the counterpoint argument. The “counterpoint” article provides several valid points to why cervical screening in women older than 65 years of age should not be recommended. The article stated that preventive resources, such as Pap smears and screening, should be directed to high-risk population, “where real benefit can be obtained (Isidean et al., 1025). In unscreened populations, the peak period of cervical cancer risk amongst women is estimated to be around 35-55 years, which is still 10-year younger than the age cut-off limit. Women who are older than 65 years old, even with consistent screening histories, the prevalence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) is low, and the chances of cervical cancer to develop is rare. If a woman is infected with HPV virus, it would take approximately 15-20 years for the infection to develop into cancer. Therefore, it is not likely for a woman, who is 65 or older, to suffer from cervical cancer if she acquired HPV infection during that age. While several factors can contribute to the result of getting cervical cancer at the age of 65 …show more content…
However, the article used two groups that are non-comparable. One group consisted of women, who are over the age 65, are unscreened or inadequately screened, and at high risks for diseases; whereas the other group consisted of women, who are also in this age group, but very well-screened and at low risk for diseases. The article also suggests that older women, who are not at low risk of cervical cancer following a history of negative screening results, may benefit from continued screening. This point was also presented in the counterpoint article. The counterpoint article specifically stated that the new recommendation does not apply to high-risk population. Also, if someone would like to continue screening, she is more than welcome to do