The easiest way to prevent cervical cancer is with regular pap tests (also called pap smears). Pap tests are quick and painless routine care recommended for all people with female reproductive organs ages 21 to 65 years old. MaineHealth is here to help.
What is a pap test?
Pap tests screen for cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix. A pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix that could become cancerous if not treated. Pap tests are done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Your gynecologist, primary care doctor or family health care provider can perform a pap test as part of a routine physical exam.
Your health care provider will use a speculum to widen the vagina and collect cell samples from the cervix and the area around it. The process takes just a few minutes. The cells are placed on a slide and sent to a lab for review. The lab will determine if the cells are normal. During the pap test, your doctor also may do a pelvic exam. They will use their hands to check your uterus, ovaries and other organs.
Risks of Cervical Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a virus passed from one person to another during sex. Other risks include:
- Smoking
- Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
- Using birth control pills for a long time (over five years)
- Having given birth to more than two children
- Having many sex partners
The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screenings. Talk to your health care provider about scheduling a pap test.
HPV vaccination is cancer prevention
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that can affect anyone. It spreads through sex and from some types of skin-to skin-contact. In most people, the body is able to get rid of the infection on its own. But sometimes, the infection doesn’t go away and can cause cancer.
