What Is A Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is a simple test to check for cancer of the cervix. According to the College of American Pathologists, since the Pap smear was introduced after World War II, death rates for cancer of the cervix among American women have fallen 70 percent, making it the most effective cancer screening test in history.
Unfortunately, cancer of the cervix still kills many women each year. Of those women who die from cancer of the cervix, 80 percent have not had a Pap smear in five years or more.
It is possible to have cancer of the cervix without pain or any other symptoms. That is why it is so important to discover cancer of the cervix when it is in its early stages and is easier to cure. A routine annual Pap smear could save your life!
How often should I have a Pap smear?
You should have your first Pap smear by the time you turn 18. (You should have a Pap smear before you turn 18 if you are already having sex.) After that, you should have a Pap smear at least once a year.
After you have had three Pap smears in a row with normal results, your doctor may talk with you about having a Pap smear less frequently. However, since cancer of the cervix often has no early warning signs, most doctors urge their patients to continue having a complete pelvic exam, including a Pap smear, at least once a year.
Do I need a Pap smear if I have been through "the change?"
The importance of having a regular Pap smear does not diminish as you grow older, even after you have gone through menopause (the change of life). You still need a regular Pap smear no matter how old you are!
How does the test work?
The doctor gently scrapes a few cells from the cervix (opening of the womb). These cells are sent to a laboratory where they are examined under a microscope for anything out of the ordinary. The doctor’s office will notify you of your results by mail or by phone.
Most Pap smears are negative, meaning nothing unusual was found. A positive Pap smear only means something was found which needs to be checked out further. Your doctor’s office will schedule a follow-up visit or refer you to a specialist, where additional Pap smears or tissue biopsies may be performed. These tests could indicate a precancerous condition or something benign, needing no further investigation.
What will happen to me during the exam?
You will be given a gown to wear and a sheet to put over your legs and stomach. You will be asked to lie down on an examining table and put your feet in a pair of holders called stirrups.
First, the doctor will examine you for any signs of a vaginal infection or similar problems. Next, he or she will slide a thin piece of plastic into your vagina. Using a small brush, the doctor will gently brush a few cells from your cervix.
After the Pap smear, the doctor will continue with the exam, checking your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by putting two gloved fingers into your vagina and feeling the outside with his or her other hand for any lumps or tenderness. This should only take a few minutes.
The ideal time for a Pap smear is two weeks after your menstrual period. If you have reached menopause, you can schedule your Pap smear anytime.
Remember, the best tool in the fight against cancer is early detection!
For more information about this and other women’s health issues, call UT Medical Group at 901-448-6610.
Other Resources:
Every 64 minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with cancer of the reproductive organs. Regular examinations increase the chances of early detection and treatment!
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