A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer in women.
A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that’s at the top of your vagina.
Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.
Why is it done?
A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer.
The Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic examination. Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer.
How often should a Pap smear be repeated?
PAP test is recommend every three years for women aged 21 to 65 years.
Women can consider Pap testing every five years if the procedure is combined with testing for HPV.
If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may recommend more-frequent Pap smears, regardless of your age. These risk factors include:
- A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
- HIV infection
- Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy, or chronic corticosteroid use
- A history of smoking
Who can consider stopping Pap smears?
In certain situations, a woman and her doctor may decide to end Pap testing, such as:
- After a total hysterectomy. After a total hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus including the cervix — ask your doctor if you need to continue having Pap smears.
If your hysterectomy was performed for a noncancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, you may be able to discontinue routine Pap smears.
But if your hysterectomy was for a precancerous or cancerous condition of the cervix, your doctor may recommend continuing routine Pap testing.
- Older age. women can consider stopping routine Pap testing at age 65 if their previous tests for cervical cancer have been negative.
Discuss your options with your doctor and together you can decide what is best for you based on your risk factors. If you are sexually active with multiple partners, your doctor may recommend continuing Pap testing.
