A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to check for cervical cancer in women.
A Pap smear involves collecting cells from the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.
Early detection of cervical cancer with a Pap smear may give you a greater chance of a cure. A Pap smear can also reveal changes in the cells of the cervix, which may indicate the possibility of cancer in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in stopping possible cervical cancer.
What is that done
A Pap smear is used to check for cervical cancer.
A Pap smear is done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. For women older than 30, a Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. In some cases, an HPV test is done instead of a Pap smear.
Who should have a Pap smear?
You and your doctor can decide when it''s time to start having a Pap smear and how often you should be tested.
Doctors generally recommend beginning cervical screening at age 21.
How often should I repeat the Pap smear for cervical cancer?
Doctors generally recommend repeating the cervical cancer screening test every three years for women ages 21 to 65.
Women age 30 and older may consider having a cervical cancer screening test every five years if combined with HPV testing. Or they may consider an HPV test instead of a cervical cancer screening test.
If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent Pap smears regardless of your age. These risk factors include:
A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a cervical smear that showed pre-cancerous cells
Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
HIV infection
An immune system that has been weakened by an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or corticosteroid use
a history of smoking
You and your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of cervical cancer screening and decide what''s best for you based on your risk factors.
Who might consider stopping cervical smear tests?
In some situations, a woman and her doctor may decide to stop the Pap test, including
After a total hysterectomy. After a total hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus, including the cervix — ask your doctor whether you need to continue with Pap smears.
If the hysterectomy was performed for a noncancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, you may be able to stop regular Pap smear tests.
But if the hysterectomy was for a precancerous or precancerous cervical condition, your doctor might recommend continuing with a regular Pap test.
Older age. Doctors generally agree that women can consider stopping regular Pap tests at age 65 if their previous cervical cancer test result was negative.
Please discuss your options with your doctor and together you can decide which option is best for you based on your risk factors. If you''re sexually active with multiple partners, your doctor may recommend a follow-up Pap test.
