Don't Ignore the Importance of a Pap Smear!
A Pap smear (also known as a Pap test) is a simple, common procedure used to detect changes in the cells of the cervix that may indicate cervical cancer. It’s an important part of a woman’s preventative healthcare and can help detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.
Prevalence of cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women around the world. In India, it poses a significant public health challenge due to its high incidence and mortality rates.
According to recent statistics, there are approximately 122,844 new cases of cervical cancer each year in India, accounting for nearly one-fourth of all female cancers.
When should one undergo a pap smear test?
Generally, women between the ages of 21 and 65 years should undergo pap smears every three years. However, some factors may warrant more frequent testing or starting earlier than 21.
Women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also at increased risk of developing cervical cancer and should undergo pap smears annually.
Additionally, women who have undergone organ transplantations are advised to start screening before age 21 years because they are at higher risk for infections and cancers due to long-term use of immunosuppressive therapy.
Is a pap smear test painful??
During a pap smear, your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and use a small brush or spatula to collect cells from your cervix. While some women may feel mild pressure or discomfort during this process, it should not be painful. If you do experience pain during the procedure, it is important to speak up and let your doctor know so that they can adjust their technique.
Results of pap smear test:
If the results are normal, it means that no abnormal cells were detected in the sample taken from your cervix. However, if there are abnormal cells present, further testing may be required to determine if they are precancerous or cancerous.
Let's not be a victim of cervical cancer anymore!!!!
