Early Detection of Cervical Cancer with Pap Smear

Cervical cancer is the second most common type of malignant cancer that attacks women. Therefore, it is important for you to do a pap smear as a step for early detection of cervical cancer. Pap smear is an examination of the state of cells in the cervix (cervix) and vagina. This examination is recommended to be carried out periodically, for women who have had sexual relations, in addition to assessing the health of female organs at the cellular level, as well as an effort to detect cervical cancer early.

Cervical Cancer Examination Procedure

For sampling in a pap smear examination, the doctor uses a device called a speculum inserted through the vaginal mouth. This tool is used to expand the visual field by opening the mouth of the vagina so that the cervical and vaginal areas can be seen more clearly. After that, a sample of cells in the cervix will be taken using a plastic spatula (such as a small long-stemmed spoon) and a small brush. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing. This sampling procedure usually takes a short time, about five minutes. During the procedure, you are expected to remain relaxed, to be more comfortable when a pap smear is performed. When doing a pap smear, the doctor can also combine with the examination of human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a virus that causes sexually transmitted infections, which is also one of the main causes of cervical cancer. Medically, as long as in accordance with the provisions of the procedure, pap smears are safe to do, and give fairly accurate results. Even so, there is still a small possibility you receive the results of the wrong examination. For example, examination results show cells in the cervix are normal, when in fact there are malignant cells in the cervix. Inaccurate results can occur when abnormal cells are covered in blood or if the number of abnormal cells is still very small. However, it is possible that abnormal cells can be detected if you undergo the next pap smear. In order to get an accurate pap smear test result, you should avoid having sex, cleaning the vagina or using drugs or creams on the vagina, about two days before the test.

Who Needs a Pap Smear?

Women aged 21 years and over are advised to have a pap smear. However, if you have been sexually active before that age, it is strongly recommended to undergo this examination. Pap smear examination is recommended to be done every three years for women aged 21-65 years. For women aged 30-65 years who undergo a pap smear at the same time with HPV examination can do it every five years. Your doctor will recommend that a pap smear be done more often if the examination shows abnormal results, has a weak immune system, is infected with the HIV virus, has undergone chemotherapy, or has had an organ transplant. By routinely undergoing a pap smear examination, you can detect cervical cancer early. If the cells are found to be cancerous, the doctor can handle it earlier so that the higher recovery rate. Consult a doctor, will give you a clearer picture about how to prevent and detect cervical cancer, as well as early treatment.