Regular Pap smears help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
A Pap smear, or Pap test, is used by doctors to check for signs of cancer in the cervix and look for changes in cells that could develop into cancer. The test can help prevent cancer or detect it at early, more treatable stages.
The Test
The doctor uses an instrument, called a speculum, to open the vagina so she can collect a sample of cells from the cervix. The sample is placed on a glass slide and sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope.
Test Results
The test could find that the cells are normal or that they're changing from normal to abnormal, which means they are exhibiting precancerous characteristics that could develop into cancer. With this information, the doctor can prescribe treatment to prevent cancer, or if cancer cells are found, prescribe treatment of the cancer.
Test Frequency
Treatment is most successful when cancer is detected early. Better yet is when precancerous warning signs can be detected and treated. Women should begin annual Pap smears when they start having sex or turn 18. After at least three normal tests they can be scheduled once every three years. Doctors may recommend greater frequency based on a patient's risk factors.
Tags: could develop, could develop into, develop into, develop into cancer, into cancer, prescribe treatment
