| The
Pap smear |
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| The
sample is sent for examination
to determine whether the cells
are normal or abnormal. |
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The Pap smear is a way of examining cells
collected from the cervix (the lower end of the
womb). A sample of cells is taken with a wooden
spatula or small brush. The cells are then prepared
on a glass slide for examination under a microscope.
In this way, abnormal changes in the cells, which
may arise from cervical cancer or pre-cancer, can
be detected.
The purpose of the Pap smear is to help detect abnormal
cervical cells even before they develop into cancer.
Treatment can then be given early. It is well established
that cervical cancer incidence and death rate can
be reduced with regular Pap smear screening performed
every three years.
One in 10 Pap smear results are abnormal, but it
is rarely due to cancer. An abnormal result usually
means that changes have been found in the cells
of the cervix. If treatment is required, the doctor
will refer the woman for an examination called colposcopy
to confirm the results of her Pap smear and prescribe
the next best course of action.
All women are at risk of getting cervical cancer.
A woman’s risk increases if she:
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• |
ever had sex
and/or is sexually active |
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smokes |
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has had several sexual
partners |
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has had sexually transmitted
infections like genital warts or genital herpes |
Therefore, all women who have ever had sex should
have a Pap smear done by the age of 25 years. They
should repeat their Pap smear
every three years. They can be discharged from screening
at age 65
if the smear taken at 65 years is negative and the
previous smears
were negative.
However, if the woman experiences any of the following
symptoms before her next screening, she should consult
her doctor immediately:
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vaginal bleeding
after sexual intercourse |
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irregular
bleeding between menstrual periods or after
menopause |
| • |
foul-smelling vaginal
discharge. |
A Pap smear can be done at the following locations:
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• |
your family
clinic |
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your neighbourhood
polyclinic |
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your gynaecologist |
For more information, call 1800-223 1313. |
