The Pap test is used to screen women for cancer of the
cervix. Named for the doctor who designed the test
(George Papanicolaou), the Pap test is very reliable for detecting early
abnormal cell changes that could lead to cancer. In the United States, the use
of the Pap test as a screening tool for cervical cancer has dramatically
increased cure rates. Regular Pap tests are recommended for women between the
ages of 18 and 65.
During a Pap test, a small sample of cells from the surface of the
cervix is collected by a health professional. The
sample is then spread or smeared on a slide (Pap smear) and sent to a lab for
examination under a microscope. The cells are examined for abnormalities that
may indicate cancer or changes that could lead to cancer.
Cervical cancer has well-defined stages, and chances of a
cure are much higher when it is detected before it has spread from the cervix to
other parts of the body.
Several factors increase a woman's risk of developing
cervical cell changes that can lead to cancer of the cervix. These
risk factors include:
- A personal history of precancerous changes of
the cervix or cervical cancer.
- Being infected with
certain types of the
human papillomavirus (HPV) or
human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV).
- Having a previous abnormal Pap
test.
- Starting sexual intercourse at an early age (younger than 18
years old).
- Having three or more sex partners in a
lifetime or a partner who has had multiple sex
partners.
- Having a
weakened immune
system.
- Smoking.
- Use of birth control pills
(oral contraceptives) for more than 5 years.
