Pap Smear Test

Women should go for their Pap smear every year. In this test cells are collected from a woman’s cervix, and studied for specific changes. These changes are warning signs, which actually may appear years before cancer develops. When a test shows positive results it implies that there were changes in the cells of a woman’s cervix. It does not always mean cancer, but it is a serious matter. Pap smear screens ladies against cervical cancer. Early detection ensures early treatment. A Pap smear is a simple, quick, and essentially painless screening test. Cells collected from a woman’s cervix are spread on a microscope slide. The cells are then evaluated for abnormalities, specifically pre-cancerous and cancerous changes.

Pap test finds about wart changes on the cervix. Go for Pap test every six months, if you have had genital warts.

Who needs a Pap test?

• It is important for all women to have pap tests as part of their routine health care.
• There is no age limit for the Pap test. Even women who have gone through menopause need regular Pap tests.

Women belonging to high-risk group should go for annual Pap test. This group includes–

• Promiscuous behaviour
• A history of a sexually transmitted disease
• A family history of cervical cancer
• A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a pre cancerous Pap test
• Genital warts
• Tobacco use
• HIV infection
• Debilitated immune system

Exemption

• However, ladies more than 65 with three consecutive normal Pap tests may not need to go for an extra test.
• Ladies who have undergone complete hysterectomy i.e. removal of uterus and cervix do not need to go for Pap tests either.

Reducing risk of cervical cancer:

• Practice monogamy.
• Quit smoking

Pap tests are not always 100 percent correct. False positive and false negative results can happen. This can upset and confuse you. A false positive Pap test is when a woman is told she has abnormal cervical cells, but the cells are really normal. If your doctor says your Pap results were a false positive, there is no problem.

A false negative Pap test is when a woman is told her cells are normal, but in fact, there is a problem with the cervical cells that was missed.

There are many reasons for “abnormal” Pap test results. If results of the Pap test are unclear or show a small change in the cells of the cervix, your doctor will probably repeat the Pap test.

Related Posts

1. The Silent Killer—Cervical Cancer
2. Combat Cervical Cancer
3. Screen Yourself Against Cancer
4. Breast Cancer Awareness
5. Cancer Alert