Pap Smear test
What is a Pap smear test?
The Pap smear checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina .The Pap test can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cells, or cancer.
Why do I need a Pap test?
A Pap test can save your life. It can find cancer of the cervix – a common cancer in women – before it moves to other parts of the body. If caught early, treatment for cancer of the cervix can be easier and the chances of curing it are far greater. Pap tests can also pick up infections and inflammation, and abnormal cells that can change into cancer cells.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
All women over 18 who have ever had sex are advised to have a Pap smear every two years, even if they no longer have sex.
As the most common type of cervical cancer usually takes up to 10 years to develop, there is little advantage in having a Pap smear more frequently than every two years.
Your general practitioner may recommend more frequent Pap smears if a previous smear showed significant cell changes or you experience problems, such as bleeding after sex
As the most common type of cervical cancer usually takes up to 10 years to develop, there is little advantage in having a Pap smear more frequently than every two years.
As the most common type of cervical cancer usually takes up to 10 years to develop, there is little advantage in having a Pap smear more frequently than every two years.
National Cervical Screening program
Link:
www.health.gov.au/ internet/ screening/ publishing.nsf/ content/ papsmear