A pap smear, or smear test is a medical screening test for cervical cancer. The procedure is used to detect for the potential presence of any cancerous cells on your cervix. Pap smear is a simple, quick and painless method through which cells are collected from a woman’s cervix for analysis. Yet, many women are hesitant to get one done. You don’t have to fear the smear as attending your cervical screening could be life saving.
Screening for cervical cancer is essential for an early diagnosis and to treat it effectively if diagnosed. The smear test not only works as a determinant for cancer, but also to detect precancerous cells and human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease. Additionally, the test is also helpful to spot other issues like infections that may be hiding in the cervical or vaginal area.
What exactly is a pap smear?
Cervix is a narrow “neck” like opening between the vagina and the uterus, joining the two together. For a pap test, your doctor uses the speculum tool, which is inserted into the vagina to reach the cervix. From there cells gently gathered for examination. The test takes no longer than 3 minutes, with only a slight discomfort, not nothing too major or long-lasting pain.
Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide. In India, according to World Health Organization, 122,844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 67,477 die from the condition (estimations for 2012).
When should you get a pap smear?
Pap smear test are recommended for women from the age of 21-65. Depending on your age, the guidelines tells you when you should get the screening done:
- women between the age of 21 & 30 should get tested every three years.
- if you are between the age of 30 & 65, can get a pap test once every five years.
if you are HIV-positive, you might need to get tested more frequently.
Should you prepare before the appointment?
Getting a pap smear shouldn’t be something you fear or be embarrassed about. Book yourself an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as you can. To get the most effective result out of the test, you can consider the following tips before your sitting:
- Avoid scheduling your appointment when you are on your period since it could affect the tests results.
- Avoid sexual intercourse or douching the day before the test.
- If you are pregnant, you can get a pap smear in the first 24 weeks
Many women avoid or skip to get tested for cervical cancer due to many reasons- lack of awareness, anxiety related to the procedure, or mere embarrassment of it all. But you could be at risk of developing the condition, even if you think you’re not. CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Senior Service Fellow asserts, “women may not necessarily feel any symptoms even if they are infected with HPV, which is the main risk factor for this type of cancer.”
What can you expect during the test
The whole screening is quick and simple. You are made to lie down with your legs bent and heels on the stirrups. This would allow your doctor to easily take the sample cells from your cervix to check for any abnormalities or changes in the cells that could detect cervical cancer. The cells are scraped from around the cervix with the help of a flat scrapping tool called a spatula.
It is expected to feel a little discomfort and pressure when the device is inserted into your vagina, but it is not painful at all.
Are there any risk involved?
Pap smears are usually safe and effective, but it could show false results in some cases. For instance, the tests can show potential abnormality when you might be in the clear, and vice-versa. Factors that could come in play to show negative results include:
- Lack of cancerous or abnormal cells
- Sample cells collection was not enough.
Results
The pap smear results come within a few days. If your test result is negative or normal, it indicates that there were no changes or abnormality with the cells on your cervix. This usually means you don’t need to get test again until your next appointment.
A positive result, on the other hand, doesn’t always been you have cancer. It only indicates minor cell changes or even inflammation, and it also depends the types of abnormal cells discovered. You might need further testing with a positive result.
Overcome the screening fear
It is understandable how you would feel scared to go into the doctor’s office for a pap smear. Here are some tips to feel more comfortable with the whole procedure:
1. Wear comfortable clothes
Wear something comfortable and hassle free so you don’t have to completely undress from the waist down. A skirt would be a good idea.
2. Talk to your doctor
You should not feel comfortable during the test, and it is always better to have an open conversation with you doctor prior to the screening. If you feel any pain, inform the doctor. Let your doctor talk you through the whole process.
3. Bring additional support
if you feel anxious going alone, bringing a friend or a family member could be motivating.
Studies say cervical cancer in women is on the rise, so don’t put it off any longer. Book yourself an appointment with a gynecologist to be on track with your health.
