The smear test (Pap smear) is a screening test in which a scraping from the cervix is examined for precancerous or cancerous cells. Cervical cancer is cancer starting in the lower part of the womb that opens into the vagina. It is one of the most preventable cancers and quite amenable to treatment if discovered early.
Indications
Every woman over 21 years old or three years after first sexual intercourse should get a smear test done yearly to every three years, according to the recommendations of the health-care provider. Testing continues up to and sometimes beyond 65 years of age, as determined by the health-care provider.
Preparation
The test should not be scheduled during or within two days of menstrual flow. For up to two days before the test there should be no douching, tampons, sexual intercourse, vaginal creams or jellies or birth control foams.
Procedure
The sample is collected with the woman lying comfortably on her back with her hips and legs covered. A speculum is gently introduced into the vagina to expose the cervix and upper vagina. The health worker then collects a sample from around the cervix and within the cervical canal, which is either put in a bottle or fixed on a slide and sent to the lab for analysis of the cell types. It is usually a swift, painless procedure.
Results
Typically, results are in about three weeks from the test date. The doctor will discuss the results with you. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean cancer, but will warrant further evaluation and procedures as the individual case demands.
Follow-up
The smear test is not a onetime test, but an ongoing review, scheduled as your health-care provider deems fit for your peculiar circumstances. You will still need further smear tests even if your first few tests are negative, as long as you remain within the population at risk.
