| Prevention of Cervical Cancer - the Pap Test |
English | 中文 |
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| WHAT IS A PAP TEST? |
The pap test is a simple test which can detect abnormal cells in the cervix that precede
cervical cancer. The cervix is located at the lower end of the uterus which opens into
the vagina.
The pap test is a very effective screening method used in the prevention of cervical
cancer in women.
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| WHY IS THE PAP TEST IMPORTANT? |
It is possible to prevent or cure cervical cancer by removing the abnormal cells before
they become cancerous. However, since there are usually no symptoms in the pre-cancerous
stage, the period when cells change slowly from mildly "atypical" to cancer cells,
it is important for women to have pap tests done regularly.
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| FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER |
- is a common cancer in women. Although it is now a preventable disease through early
detection and treatment, cervical cancer is still a major cause of death in some
areas of the world including Asia where pap tests are not widely done.
- can affect women of all ages who have been sexually active.
- is almost always caused by a virus (called the Human Papilloma Virus)
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| WHO SHOULD HAVE A PAP TEST? |
All women who are, or have been sexually active, should have a regular pap test to
the age of 69.
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| HOW OFTEN SHOULD A PAP TEST BE DONE? |
A pap test should be done once a year initially. After 3 or more consecutive satisfactory
normal annual examinations, the pap test may be done every 2 to 3 years until age 69,
if there have been no significant abnormality in the past.
If the test is not normal, pap testing will need to be done more often, even after the
problem has been treated.
(Recommendations for pap test screening may vary from country to country, so discuss
with your doctor.)
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| HOW IS THE PAP TEST DONE? |
A pap test (or pap smear) is a simple and painless test which can be done in a medical
clinic or doctor's office in a matter of minutes. Cells are gently scraped from the cervix
and examined under the microscope.
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| IF THE TEST IS ABNORMAL |
When the abnormality is mild, the pap test is repeated. If necessary, further investigation
may be carried out. "Colposcopy" is a simple diagnostic procedure similar to
the pap test which uses a special microscope to examine the cervix under magnification.
Biopsies are taken, which shows the extent and precise location of the abnormality.
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| WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS? |
Conservative treatments for pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix include
"Cryotherapy", which destroys the abnormal cells by freezing, and
"carbon dioxide laser cautery", where a very fine, precise beam of focused
light bums the abnormal cells. These procedures are performed using a local anesthetic,
usually cause only minor discomfort, and take less than 5 minutes.
"Cone biopsy" is a minor surgical procedure which removes abnormal tissue
extending into the opening of the cervix.
These treatments are simple, almost always successful in curing the abnormality, and
should not affect the woman´s fertility or future child-bearing.
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| GOOD ADVICE |
- Have pap tests done regularly
- See your doctor promptly for any unusual symptoms such as bleeding after
intercourse or after reaching menopause. A normal pap test is not a total
guarantee of the absence of cancer cells.
- Keep in mind that the pap test can detect cervical cancer, but not uterine and
ovarian cancer. Prompt reporting of any abnormal symptoms is vital to early
detection and treatment.
- A routine pelvic examination is recommended annually for women age 40
and over. This routine gynecological examination performed by the doctor to check
the uterus, ovaries, and vagina is useful in detecting various conditions,
including infections. Remember that a pap test is not always included in a pelvic
examination.
- Use a condom to reduce the risk of infections, especially if there are new or
multiple sexual partners.
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