Every year, approximately 13,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and unfortunately a large percentage will ultimately pass away. Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women but with the increased use of the Pap test, that number has dropped significantly. The number of deaths from cervical cancer can be reduced.
What are pap smears?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. Pap smears are fast, relatively pain-free procedures that take no more than 15 minutes. They can also be life- saving.
Who should get a pap smear?
The American Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women should start having regular pap smears starting at age 21.
If you go on to have 3 normal pap smear results in a row, your doctor may recommend that you have the pap smear carried out every 3 years.
Why are pap smears important?
Getting pap smears done on a regular basis saves lives. If the pap test detects any irregular cells that have the potential to develop into cervical cancer, women can get the appropriate treatment they need right away to stop the cancer from developing.
What problems can a pap smear detect?
Pap smears are not designed to detect cervical cancer. Instead, cervical cancer screening is used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer in the future. Therefore when abnormal cells are detected by pap smear, your doctor will recommend certain treatments to stop the cancer from developing in the first place.
What Happens During a Pap Smear?
Pap smears are generally painless and are usually carried out during a pelvic exam.
The doctor will use a soft brush to take a swab sample from your cervix. The sample is then sent to the lab to look for any abnormal cells under the microscope.
Once the lab results are back, you will be contacted by your doctor. Results may take a few days or weeks to return.
How do you arrange a pap smear?
Make an appointment to see your OBGYN or practitioner and inform them that you would like to have a pap smear. They will then guide you through the rest of the process.
Our team is happy to answer any questions that you have about pap smears and how to schedule your appointment.
