Pap smear: Essential test for early cervical cancer detection and prevention

A Pap smear is a test used for screening of cervical cancer. The cervix is a narrow and low end of the uterus, located at the base of the womb and forms the junction between the uterus and the vagina. Globally, each year, 5 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. In India, cancer of the cervix is the third most common cancer with an Incidence rate of 18.3 percent and the second leading cause of death with a mortality rate of 9.1 percent. 1 out of 4 women who die of cervical cancer in the world is an Indian. This is unfortunate because cervical cancer is preventable by vaccination and screening.

Dr Astha Dayal, lead consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, CK Birla hospital, Gurugram shares why Pap smear is important for women and at what age they should consider doing it.

• A regular checkup along with a Pap test is a must for all sexually active women, whether or not vaccinated. Pap smear (or a Pap test) is a procedure wherein cells from the cervix are collected for examination. The examination detects abnormalities in the cell through a microscope which may indicate the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells.

• The test involves the insertion of speculum (a plastic or metal instrument) to look inside the vagina. This helps the Dr in the examination of the vagina and the cervix, collecting a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it for further lab tests.

•  It is generally recommended that women should begin Pap smear testing at age 21, if they are sexually active. Women aged 21 to 29 must have a Pap smear almost every three years.

• Women aged 30 to 65 have the option to continue with a Pap smear every three years or opt for co-testing with a Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. HPV testing can be done at the same time through the same sample.

• Women over 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results may not need further tests. Women who have had their cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids also do not need pap smear tests.

•  In certain special circumstances one might need more frequent testing. Women with certain risk factors, such as a history of cervical cancer or precancerous lesions, HIV infection, a weakened immune system, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth may need annual pap smear tests.

•  The basic purpose of a Pap smear is to detect precancerous cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer. An early diagnosis helps in early and prompt intervention and treatment, substantially improving the outcomes.

• Pap smear can also help in the prevention of cervical cancer by identification and treatment of the precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix.

•  Regular Pap tests are an essential preventive measure in female health. It helps in the detection and management of potential issues before they become serious.