The Basics
The best thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer is to get regular Pap tests. A Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It’s done in a doctor’s office or clinic.
You need a Pap test if you are:
- Age 18 or older
- Under 18 and have been sexually active for 3 years or more
Doctors recommend that women ages 18 to 64 have a Pap test every 1-3 years.
The cervix connects the uterus (or womb) to the vagina.
What is Cervical Cancer?
The cervix connects the uterus (or womb) to the vagina. Abnormal cells in the cervix can turn into cancer. Treatment can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. That is why it‘s so important to get regular Pap tests.
Cervical cancer is most common in women over 40. Visit the National Cancer Institute Web site to find out what you need to know about cancer of the cervix.
What Happens During a Pap Test?
The Pap test is a simple test. While you lie on the exam table, the doctor or nurse puts a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina, opening it to see the cervix. She will use a special brush to collect a few cells from the cervix. These cells are sent to the lab for testing. The doctor or nurse will also do a pelvic exam to check the uterus, ovaries, and other organs.
A Pap test lasts about 2-5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but a Pap test doesn’t hurt.
The Benefits
Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find unusual cells before they turn into cancer. Pap tests can also find cervical cancer early, when it can be cured.
It is important for all women to have Pap tests, along with pelvic exams, as part of their regular check-ups.
Take Action!
The best thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer is to get regular Pap tests.
Schedule Your Pap Test
Call your doctor’s office or local health clinic to schedule your Pap test and pelvic exam. Free and low-cost Pap tests are available – find a location near you.
Prepare for Your Pap Test
Try to schedule your Pap test for a time when you do not have your period. For 2 days before your test, doctors recommend that you avoid:
- Using tampons
- Having sex
- Using birth control creams, foams, or jellies
- Douching
Lower Your Risk of Cervical Cancer
A major cause of cervical cancer is HPV (human papilloma virus). HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other “high-risk” types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
You are at higher risk of getting HPV if you:
- Start having sex before age 18
- Have unprotected sex
- Have many different sex partners
- Have sex partners who have other sex partners
Check out these Web sites for more information on HPV: