Did you know that there is a simple test your doctor can do that can help prevent cervical cancer? It is called the Pap test. This test can help you stay healthy so you can be there for your family.

How a Pap test can help

• The Pap test can find early cell changes in the cervix before these changes turn into cancer.
• If the test finds cell changes early enough, it can prevent you from having cervical cancer.

Be sure to get a regular Pap test

Having a Pap test once is not enough!

• Women and teenagers should start getting regular Pap tests about 3 years after the first time they have sex.
• Women should have a Pap test no later than age 21, even if they have not started having sex.
• Women should get a Pap test at least once every 3 years.

Doctor Vargas: "Many women do not know about the Pap test. Then they find out they have cervical cancer when it is at an advanced stage. The cancer could have been prevented with regular Pap tests."

Read this booklet

This booklet can answer some questions about cervical cancer and may ease your concerns about having the Pap test.

This booklet talks about:

• Cervical cancer
• The Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear)
• How often to get a Pap test
• Common questions and answers.

See what other women have to say

You will read about 3 women. They may be like you or other women you know. Consuelo, Rosa, and Virginia have a lot of questions about the Pap test. Read their questions and answers in this booklet.

Consuelo

Rosa

Virginia

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