WHAT IS A PAP TEST?
A Pap test is to check the cervix for abnormal cell changes. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (or womb), which opens into the vagina. The cell changes can develop on the cervix if not found and treated, can lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can almost always be prevented by having regular Pap tests .
WHY DO I NEED A PAP TEST?
A Pap test can save your life by finding early signs of cervical cancer. When caught early, the chance of successful treatment is very high for cervical cancer is very high. Pap tests can also detect abnormal cervical cells before they turn into cancer cells. Treating these abnormal cells can help prevent most cases from developing into cervical cancer. Getting a Pap test is one of the most important things you can do to prevent cervical cancer.
DO ALL WOMEN NEED PAP TESTS?
Most of the women ages 21 to 65 should get Pap test as part of routine health care. You should have a Pap test even if you are not currently sexually active,. Women who have gone through menopause (when a woman’s periods stop) who are younger than 65 still need regular Pap tests.
Women who do not have a cervix (usually because of hysterectomy), and also who do not have a history of cervical cancer or any abnormal Pap results, do not need Pap tests. Women ages 65 and older who have had three normal Pap tests in a row without any abnormal results in the last 10 years do not need Pap tests.
MY PAP TEST RESULT WAS A “FALSE POSITIVE.” WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Pap tests are not always perfect. There is a chance you get False positive and false negative results . This can be confusing and upsetting .
False positive. A false positive Pap test occurs when a woman is told she has abnormal cervical cells, but the cells are not actually cancerous or abnormal. If your doctor says your Pap results were a false positive, then there is no problem.
False negative. A false negative Pap test is when a woman is told her cells are normal, but there is actual problem with the cervical cells that were missed. False negatives delay the discovery and the treatment of unhealthy cells of the cervix. But having regular Pap tests boosts your chances of finding any problems. Cervical cancers usually take few years to develop. If abnormal cells are missed at one time on pap test , they will probably be found on your next Pap test.
HOW CAN I LOWER MY CHANCES OF GETTING CERVICAL CANCER?
YOU CAN LOWER YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING CERVICAL CANCER IN SEVERAL WAYS:
Getting regular Pap tests. Regular Pap tests help your doctor to find and treat any abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.
Get an HPV vaccine (if you are 26 or younger). Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by a type of HPV that is passed from one person to another through genital contact. Most women never know they have HPV as it usually stays hidden. While it sometimes goes away on its own, it can also cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Pap tests usually detect these changes.
Be monogamous. Having sex with just one partner can also lower your risk of cervical cancer.
Use condoms. Condoms are best way to prevent any sexually transmitted infection (STI), including HPV, the cause of most cases of cervical cancer, is to not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Using condoms during sex lower your risk of getting HPV and other STIs. Although HPV can also occur in female and male genital areas that are not protected by condoms, research shows that condom use is linked to lower cervical cancer rates.
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