Pap smear explained

The neck of the womb is called the cervix. Cells in the cervix change in appearance before they become cancerous. The paper smear is used to check for these changes. It is a screening tool to find early warning signs that cancer might develop later. It is not a tool for diagnosing cancer but rather for finding early changes that might become cancer.
The Pap smear is a simple procedure. It takes just a few minutes and is not painful, although it can be a little uncomfortable for some women. The doctor or nurse simply collects cells from the cervix and these are placed (smeared) onto a slide and tested in a laboratory for anything unusual.

Who is at risk of cervical cancer?

Everyone with a cervix who has had sex at some time in  her life. The risk increases with age, although it is important to start pap smears early.  About half of all new cases are in women over 50 years of age.  More women over 50 die from cervical cancer because their cancer is diagnosed later when treatment is more difficult.

What causes cervical cancer?

Human Papilloma Virus, a sexually transmitted infection which in most cases (80%) is cleared by the body’s immune system in 8 – 14 months. A Pap smear may detect the presence of this virus or changes in the cells.  That is why it’s important to have a regular Pap smear.

How often should you have a Pap smear?

All women  between 18 and 70 years of age who have ever had sex, should have pap smears at least every 2 years. Pap smears every two years can help prevent up to 90 per cent of the most common type of cervical cancer. However, like all screening procedures, the Pap smear has limitations. Sometimes it will not detect early cell changes because the smear didn’t contain enough abnormal cells. Sometimes samples are difficult to interpret. If this happens, the doctor or nurse may take another sample.

Where can you have a pap smear?

To make an appointment for a Pap smear, contact:
• Your doctor
• Community or women’s health centre
• Family Planning or sexual health clinic
• A women’s health nurse, or
• An aboriginal medical service

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