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Pap Test used for Cervical Screening

For more information click on the links below:

 

What is a pap test?

  • A pap smear is a simple test where a sample of cells is taken from the cervix by a doctor or nurse and is examined under a microscope.
  • It checks for changes to the cells on the cervix
Cervical Screening

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Who needs a pap test?

  • All women need a regular pap test within the first three years after they start to have sex
  • It is important to continue having a pap test after menopause [when your monthly periods stop]
  • Ask your doctor or nurse if you still need a pap test if you have had a hysterectomy [ operation to remove part of or the whole uterus]
  • Women over 70 should ask their doctor if they should still have a regular pap test

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Why do I need a pap test?

  • A pap test is part of taking care of your health

  • Many small changes occur on the cervix before cancer develops

  • These changes can be treated to prevent them from getting worse.
  • Cancer can grow on your cervix and may take many years to develop
  • Regular pap tests can greatly reduce the risk of develping cervical cancer.

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When do I need a pap test?

  • All women need a regular pap test within three years of starting any kind of sexual activity. This can include oral or digital stimulation (fingering).
  • After the first pap test, you should get one done every year unless otherwise specified by your health care provider.

 

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How is a pap test done?

  • A doctor or nurse practitioner does the test. They should explain each of their actions to you. You take off your panties and then lie on an examination table. If you ask to have the top part of the exam table raised up, you can see the doctor or nurse as they work. They put on surgical gloves and then carefully inserts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. Ideally, the speculum should be the smallest size needed to examine your vagina and should be warm to touch.
  • The doctor or nurse should gently open the speculum so they can see the cervix. Next they use a small flat wooden tool, a cotton swab, or a small brush to collect cells from your cervix. Sometimes a test for HPV (Human papillomarvirus) is also done at this time. They then place the cell samples in a container and sends it to a laboratory where technicians (cytologists) examine the cells under a microscope (source: Canadian Women's Health Network)

 

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What is a cervix?

  • The cervix is the opening of the uterus [womb] found at the top of the vagina

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When is the best time for a pap test?

  • When you do not have your period
  • When you have not had sex for one day [24 hours]
  • When you have not put anything such as foams or medicine in your vagina for two days [48 hours]

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What can I expect?

  • The pap test takes a few minutes
  • You may feel nervous or uncomfortable about having a pap test
  • Choose a doctor or nurse you feel comfortable with
  • You can bring a friend or family member to stay with you while the test is being done
  • You may have mild spotting [ very light bleeding] after a pap test. This is normal
  • An internal exam will be done following your pap test
  • The doctor or nurse will check your vagina, uterus and ovaries by putting a gloved finger in your vagina and pressing on your belly with the other hand
  • You will become more comfortable with having Pap tests as you make it a regular part of your medical check-ups. Discuss the Pap test with your doctor or nurse to help you relax. You may also find it helpful to talk with someone you know who has had a Pap test. If you feel you can't ask your doctor or nurse for a Pap test, talk with a public health nurse about how to ask your doctor or nurse for the test (source: Cancer Care Ontario)

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What about my pap test results?

  • After your pap test is done, it is sent to a laboratory to be examined.
  • It may take several weeks for the results of your pap test to be sent back to your doctor or nurse's office
  • Your doctor or nurse will contact you if there is a problem with your results
  • you may ask your doctor or nurse about your pap test results

If your pap test results are not normal, you may worry and wonder what they mean

  • In most cases, an abnormal result does not mean you have cancer
    It may mean that you have an infection that needs to be treated
    Often, unhealthy cells change back to healthy cells on their own
    If you do have unhealthy cell changes, it is important to talk to you doctor or nurse about what your results mean and what treatments are available
  • Human Papilloma Virus [HPV, genital warts] frequently cause abnormal test results. For more information on HPV click here

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  • If your test results are normal, you will need to have another pap test in 1 or 2 years
  • Ask your doctor or nurse when it is time for your next pap test
  • If your test results are abnormal, you may need to see your doctor or nurse for another pap test early
  • You may also be referred to a specialist for treatment

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What else can I do?

  • Protect yourself. Always use a condom. Limit the number of partners you have sex with.
  • Avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking and second hand smoke can cause mild cell changes on your cervix that can progress to cancer.

from Cancer Care Ontario, Ontario Cervical Screening Program and the Canadian Cancer Society

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Where can I find more information? 

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Last Updated: 7/5/2010

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