subject: Importance Of Pap Smear Test, Papanicolaou Test [print this page] Importance Of Pap Smear Test, Papanicolaou Test
Pap smear test, also named Papanicolaou test (after the one who invented it). Pap test or smear test is a gynecological procedure that helps finding cancerous and pre-cancerous cells in the cervical area. It is the main method of identifying cancer caused by HPV. This is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer in women and, until the this test was introduced, it was taking many lives. Using this screening method, cervical cancer is now detected in early phases and women are able to receive adequate treatment. Sometimes abnormal cells are not yet cancerous and the disease is prevented efficiently.
An abnormal result of the Pap smear test does not necessarily mean that the woman has cancer. Abnormalities in the cervix cells can also be caused by a cervical infection. Each country has different procedures in what concerns Pap smear tests. As a general rule, all women who have started their sexual life should be tested periodically. In some country the testing starts at 20-21 years, while in other only at 25. Since abnormal cells in the cervical area don't develop and multiply very fast, it is fine if the first Pap smear test is performed at a couple of years after the first sexual contact. Women who never had sexual contact don't need to be tested for HPV since this is only spread through sexual contact.
The frequency of the screenings varies depending on the guidelines that different countries have adopted and also the woman's age. Some experts say that it is best for women under 50 to have a Pap smear test yearly or every two years. However, in the great majority of the countries women are screened every 3 or five years. Only if the results are not normal is frequent screening necessary. After the age of 50 or 60 women who had never had abnormal results can only have one Pap test every 5 years. Vaccination against HPV does not eliminate the need for Pap smear test. The vaccine only offers protection against certain types of the virus.
Women need to keep in mind that this test can save their life and they shouldn't postpone it, especially if they have never had it before. Even though the procedure might be uncomfortable, there are no risks and no side effects. Some women notice spotting right after the procedure, but this is nothing to worry about. Women who carry higher risks of cancer or who have a reduced immunity should have more frequent Pap smear tests.
