What Makes a Pap Smear So Important?

While your Pap smear can feel awkward and uncomfortable for a few brief moments, its results are invaluable in maintaining your health. Pap smears, sometimes called pap tests, are a critical screening procedure for cervical cancer. What makes it unique is the way it can predict cervical cancer even before it happens.

Why Is Cervical Cancer So Dangerous?

Cervical cancer can be fatal, especially when detected late. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer ranks 4th among women worldwide, with over 600,000 new cases per year, and sadly, over half of those resulting in death. Early-stage cervical cancer remains stealth in the body, often without symptoms. When symptoms finally surface, it is often at an advanced stage.

How Your Pap Smear Outwits Sneaky Cervical Cancer

The genius of the Pap smear is its ability to detect abnormal cells in your cervix that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. These so-called pre-cancerous changes in the cervix (dysplasia) can be treated directly before they ever have a chance to develop into cervical cancer. As such, the pap smear is considered a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Any pap smear that comes back abnormal requires additional investigation to determine the actual presence of any pre-cancerous or cancerous cells.

Pap Smear Recommendations

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Pap smear testing should start at 21 and continue at a regular interval, depending on your age, risk factors, and history of test results. The frequency of testing for women over 30 may be decreased while HPV testing is generally added.

Routine Pap Smear Screenings Are Impacting Cervical Cancer

Pap smears are having a positive effect on women’s health. In areas of the world where pap smear screenings are routine, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer are decreasing. The results support the importance of regular pap smear screenings.

Is It Time to Schedule Your Next Pap Smear?

If you can’t recall the date of your last pap smear or you recently turned 21, get on the calendar now by scheduling yours. Reach out to Women’s Health Medical Group, PA, in Fort Worth, Burleson, or Lake Worth, TX. Call 817-345-5336, or contact us here to schedule an appointment to get started.