WHAT IS PAP SMEAR EXAMINATION?

It detects the earliest signs of cervical cancer as well as  infection, inflammation and abnormal changes cells
Pap smear examination is the most important tool for the screening and early detection of cervical cancer

What is Pap smear?

• Detects the earliest sing of cervical cancer as well as infection, inflammation, and  abnormal changes in cervical cells
• The doctor puts an instrument called speculum into your vagina, sees the cervix, and then takes a few cells for testing from inside and around the cervix using a special stick, Brush or swab

Who needs it & when?

• Once a year, for women at age of 21 or 3 years after becoming sexually active till age 30
• Once every 2-3 years for women over 30 (who have 3 normal tests in row )
• Another option for immune system and no abnormal (pap result) is to  get tested every 3 years with pap smear plus HPV DNA test
• Once a year for women with weak immune system (organ transplant, chemotherapy, steroid use, or HIV infection)
• Women above 70 with no abnormal pap result in the last 10 years, and no history of cervical cancer, HIV infection, or a weak immune system, may choose to not get tested. Women with total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) unless the  surgery was done for cancer may choose to not get tested women with hysterectomy without cervix removal need to get tested

Get ready for the test

• Schedule it when you do not have your periods.
• Avoid having  sex or using tampons, vagina creams, or  suppositories, about 2 days before the test

What is the interpretation?

• The test gives a picture about whether there is a suspicion, clear evidence picked up for  infection or inflammation or any other changes would help in further management.
• In recent times, LBC (liquid based cytology) method of  testing has gained recognition , but is very costly over the standers technique

In India 35-40 cancer are found in cervix so all women should resort to primary vaccination to prevent cancer plus regular checkups.