After menopause, many women may not need to be screened for cervical cancer as frequently as they were when they were younger, researchers report.

• The study included more than 2,500 postmenopausal women with heart disease who were enrolled in a study of hormone replacement therapy

• At the beginning of the study, all women had normal Pap smear results

• Within 2 years of having a normal Pap smear, 110 women tested positive for a cervical abnormality on a later screen

• However, in all but one of these cases, the results were false-positive, meaning that the women did not have cancer or any other dangerous abnormalities

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Reduced self-esteem

"Until more information is available, we recommend not performing cervical smears within 2 years of a normal smear in postmenopausal women," the researchers conclude. Postmenopausal women who choose to be screened more frequently should be informed of the risk for false-positive results and the need for further diagnostic testing.

The findings apply only to postmenopausal women who have had previous normal Pap smears.

Annals of Internal Medicine, December 19, 2000;133: 942-950