SCF: 30-31, SECTOR-11, HUDA, URBAN ESTATE, Panipat, Haryana 132103 SCF: 30-31, SECTOR-11, HUDA, URBAN ESTATE, Panipat, Haryana 132103Screening for cervical cancer helps to find precancerous changes on the cervix before they become cancer. There are two main tests for cervical cancer. The Pap smear test looks for abnormal cells. The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes. Most women have no symptoms in the early stages, so routine screening is important even if you feel perfectly healthy. This screening is a preventative measure, not a treatment. It consists of:
They both use the same exact method of collecting cells during a pelvic. A Pap smear (or Pap test) looks for abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix. An HPV test checks for the virus (high-risk Human Papillomavirus) that causes these changes in the cells.
Cervical screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix between the ages of 21 and 65 because it:
Women between age groups 21-65 years require cervical screening either with an HPV test, a pap smear, or both. Screenings should continue regardless of your sexual history, whether you’ve received the HPV vaccine, or if you have passed menopause. Women may need more frequent screening if they:
Never ignore symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or post-menopause), unusual, foul-smelling, or blood-tinged discharge, persistent pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. These warning signs demand an immediate medical evaluation regardless of when your next screening is scheduled. Screening is for women without symptoms. However, seek medical evaluation in case you notice any of the following conditions:
Women who suffer persistent HPV infection, are addicted to smoking, have multiple sexual partners, and had early sexual activity (early years of age), have a weakened immune system, have had previous cervical abnormalities, or have long-term oral contraceptive use are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancers.
A cervical cancer test is performed during a quick pelvic exam. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and gently opened by the doctor or nurse to look at the cervix. They take a small sample of cells with a little brush or tiny spatula and send it to a lab. In the lab, these samples are checked for any abnormalities, whether they are infected with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). In short, the test checks whether the cells could become cancerous. The procedure is generally quick and feels like mild discomfort, a pressure sensation, and is not usually painful.
To ensure an accurate test, avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, tampons, and vaginal medications or creams for two days before your appointment. Book your test for a week after your period has finished. Wear a comfy, loose skirt so you can easily stay covered from the waist down. Preparing correctly prevents your doctor from washing away or missing crucial cells.
An abnormal cervical cancer screening result rarely means you have cancer. Usually, it means there are precancerous cells or an active HPV infection. Most minor changes clear on their own or are treated long before they ever develop into cancer. Here are the possible next steps your doctor may recommend to confirm and correctly diagnose the underlying condition:
Most cervical cancers are preventable with regular screening and appropriate follow-up. The earlier it is found, the easier to treat, the better. The benefits of early diagnosis are:
A Pap smear test is usually not painful, but it may be a little uncomfortable or feel like a short pressure or mild cramp. The most uncomfortable part is the insertion of the speculum (a medical tool used to hold the vaginal walls open) and the gentle brushing of the cervix to collect cell samples.
The physical cervical screening test (or Pap smear) takes only about 1 to 3 minutes to perform, while the entire appointment usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.
You can technically get a Pap smear on your period, but it’s generally not recommended. If you are having a heavy period, this can mask the cells from your cervix, and the results may be inconclusive, and the test will need to be repeated. The ideal time is usually 5-7 days after you have finished your period altogether.
Yes, even if you have the HPV vaccine, you still need regular screening for cervical cancer. The vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, nor does it treat existing infections.
Cervical cancer screening (Pap and/or HPV testing) generally begins at age 21. How often you need screening depends on your age and the type of test.
Cervical screening is safe during pregnancy. It will not harm your baby or increase the risk of miscarriage. Routine screening is often delayed until 3 to 12 months after childbirth unless you have symptoms, a history of abnormal results, or are specifically due.
There is no problem with a routine cervical screening test (Pap smear or HPV test), and you can go back to your normal daily activities, including work and light exercise, straight away. Usually, there is no mandatory downtime. You may have mild cramping or very light brown spotting for a day or two. Most doctors will recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before having intercourse, because your cervix may be temporarily sensitive.
No. An abnormal Pap smear does not mean you have cancer. It just means some of the cells on your cervix look unusual. Many of these changes are caused by a virus (like HPV), a small amount of inflammation, or pre-cancerous cells that can be monitored or treated easily before they ever become cancer.
Yes, cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. Because almost all cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), it can be averted through HPV vaccination and routine screening.
