Prevention of Cervical Cancer - The Pap Test

What is a Pap test?

The Pap test is a simple test which can detect abnormal cells in the cervix that precede cervical cancer. The cervix is located at the lower end of the uterus which opens into the vagina.

The Pap test is a very effective screening method used in the prevention of cervical cancer in women.

Why is the Pap test so important?

It is possible to prevent or cure cervical cancer by removing the abnormal cells before they become cancerous. However, since there are usually no symptoms in the pre-cancerous stage, the period when cells change slowly from mildly “atypical” to cancer cells, it is important for women to have Pap tests done regularly.

Facts About Cervical Cancer

• is a common cancer in women. Although it is now a preventable disease through early detection and treatment, cervical cancer is still a major cause of death in some areas of the world including Asia where Pap tests are not widely done.
• can affect women of all ages who have been sexually active.
• is almost always caused by a virus (called the Human Papilloma Virus).

Who should have a Pap test?

All women who are over age 21, or 3 years after becoming sexually active (whichever is later), should have Pap tests regularly to the age of 70.

How often should a Pap test be done?

Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise: you should have a Pap test once a year for 3 years. If the results of all 3 tests are normal, you can begin having Pap tests once every 3 year.

For most women 70 years and older, cervical cancer screening can stop if your last 3 Pap tests, done within the past 10 years, were normal.

If you receive an abnormal test result, Pap testing will need to be done more often, even after the problem has been treated.

How is the Pap test done?

A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a simple and painless test which can be done in a medical clinic or doctor’s office in a matter of minutes. Cells are gently scraped from the cervix and examined under a microscope.

If the test is abnormal

When the abnormality is mild, the Pap test is repeated. If necessary, further investigation may be carried out. “Colposcopy” is a simple diagnostic procedure similar to the Pap test which uses a special microscope to examine the cervix under magnification. Biopsies are taken, which shows the extent and precise location of the abnormality.

What are the treatments?

Conservative treatments for pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix include “Cryotherupy”, which destroys the abnormal cells by freezing, and “carbon dioxide laser cautery”, where a very fine, precise beam of focused light burns the abnormal cells. These procedures are performed using a local anesthetic, usually cause only minor discomfort, and take less than 5 minutes.

“Cone biopsy” is a minor surgical procedure which removes abnormal tissue extending into the opening of the cervix.

These treatments are simple, almost always successful in curing the abnormality, and should not affect the woman’s fertility or future child-bearing.

Good Advice

• Have Pap tests done regularly
• See your doctor promptly for any unusual symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse or after reaching menopause. A normal Pap test is not a total guarantee of the absence of cancer cells.
• Keep in mind that the Pap test can detect cervical cancer, but not uterine and ovarian cancer. Prompt reporting of any abnormal symptoms is vital to early detection and treatment.
• A routine pelvic examination is recommended annually for women age 40 and over. This routine gynecological examination performed by the doctor to check the uterus, ovaries, and vagina is useful in detecting various conditions, including infections. Remember that a Pap test is not always included in a pelvic examination.
• Use a condom to reduce the risk of infections, especially if there are new or multiple sexual partners.

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