ACCORDING TO the Ministry of Health, many women may have the cancerous condition and not know it. There is often no pain. And this kind of cancer kills many women every year. Over 70 women die in Jamaica because of this illness each year.
What this means is that every woman, especially in the 25-55 age group must get a Pap test. A Pap test can find cancer early. If it's found early, it's easier to cure.
You should get a Pap test at least every three years. The Pap test is done by the nurse or doctor wiping a swab on the cervix. This takes only a few seconds.
You may have your Pap test done at a:
Local health centre
Medical clinic
Family doctor's office
Gynaecology clinic.
There is no upper age limit for the Pap test. If you are over 25, make it a regular part of your medical examination schedule. Even women who have gone through the change of life (menopause) need a Pap test.
A Pap test can tell if you have cancer of the cervix early - while it's still easy to cure.
It can save your life!
For more information on the Pap test call the Jamaica Cancer Society at 927-4265, 927-4573 or 927-4933.
