THE PAP smear, or cervical smear, is an early warning test which shows whether there are any changes in the cervix which might develop into cancer (precancerous changes), as well as detecting cancer of the cervix if it is already present.
The following information, provided by the Ministry of Health, will answer all your questions about the pap smear:
WHAT IS THE CERVIX?
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb), often called the neck of the womb.
WHAT CAUSES CERVICAL CANCER?
No one knows exactly how it is caused, but it is rare in women who have never had sex. Women at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer are those who:
Started having sex at an early age
Have had more than one sexual partner
Have a sexual partner who has had more than one partner
Have had genital warts or infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
Smoke cigarettes.
SHOULD ALL WOMEN HAVE PAP SMEARS?
Yes, especially those who are having or have ever had sex.
WHERE CAN THE TESTS BE TAKEN?
At your family doctor, general practitioner (GP), gynaecologist's office, health centre, family planning clinic or any of the Jamaica Cancer Society clinics.
WILL I HAVE TO UNDRESS?
You will be asked to undress from the waist down, but if you wear a skirt this will not have to be removed.
HOW IS THE TEST PERFORMED?
A doctor or nurse will place a small instrument called a speculum into your vagina so that the cervix can be seen. The cervix is scraped lightly and the specimen placed on a slide and sent to a laboratory. The test itself takes just a few minutes.
DOES IT HURT?
No, but if you are tense you might feel some discomfort
Is there anything I should do in advance?
You cannot be tested while you are having your period or using any type of medication in the vagina.
WHEN DO I GET THE RESULTS?
When you have done the test you will be told how, where and approximately when you will get the results. Before you leave the clinic or doctor's office make sure that you get this information.
CAN ANYTHING BE DONE ABOUT ABNORMAL CHANGES?
Yes. If the test detects inflammation or infection, a course of treatment will be prescribed before repeating the smear. If pre-cancerous changes are detected, the smear may be repeated or you may be sent for further testing. These changes can easily be treated by minor surgery and in this way, cancer of the cervix can be prevented.
WILL TREATMENT AFFECT MY SEX LIFE OR MY ABILITY TO HAVE CHILDREN?
No, it will not.
IF CERVICAL CANCER IS DETECTED, CAN IT BE CURED?
Yes, cancer of the cervix can be cured if it is detected early enough.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE TEST BE DONE?
The test should be done yearly.
Avoid smoking cigarettes.
