Commentary:      I decided to feature this article on the Home page because it is such a significant test for women of all ages.  I believe it has become the most important test that I perform in my practice today.  Cervical pre-cancer and cervical cancer are on the rise.  We can thank the epidemic rise in HPV infections in women.  Please visit the Educational Links page to read up on HPV infections and abnormal pap smears.   The rise in this type of STD has forced all OB/GYNS in this country to increase their vigilance of abnormal pap smears and to follow the fairly new protocols for handling these abnormalities.  Fortunately, the HPV testing for the high-risk virus has allowed us to be more conservative in our handling of some of these abnormal pap smears.   Get your pap smear regularly.  Doc