Pap tests can save your life - Q & A

Ok, we know that most women don’t enjoy going to the doctor for a pelvic, or internal, exam. It’s not a glamorous position to be in, but - that Pap smear that you should get while you have your annual exam could save your life. A 15-minute doctor’s visit could spare you the heartache of being diagnosed with cervical cancer and all that comes with the diagnosis.

What is a Pap test?

The Pap test is named after Dr. Georgios Papanicolaou, who discovered a way to test the cells scraped from the cervix for unusual changes. The Pap test can tell not only cancerous cells, but abnormal ones that will develop into cancer years from now.

Who should get the Pap test?

All women should have Pap tests. Women who are 18 years old, even if not sexually active, should have their first Pap test. Their doctor will then tell them how often they need to come back. If it is normal, that may be in only two or three years. If a teen becomes sexually active before 18 years, she should have her first Pap test then and not wait until she is 18.

How is the Pap test done?

A Pap test is done as part of your internal exam. The doctor or nurse takes a swab or brush to gather some cells from your cervix. You may feel a bit of pressure or scraping, but it’s usually not painful. The cells are then smeared onto a slide, which is analyzed in a lab.

Are there any precautions regarding Pap tests?

A Pap test is one of the easiest tests that can be done, notwithstanding the discomfort you may feel by having such an intimate exam.

Before the Pap test, it’s important not to douche for 48 hours beforehand or have sex 24 hours before. You also cannot be menstruating so  you should book your appointment so you are mid-cycle.

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Tags: cancer blog, cervical cancer, pap test, Papanicolaou test, cancer cells, pap smear