Cervical Screening Test
Cervical screening is important to detect changes in the neck of the womb (called the cervix) before they become cancerous, so that treatment can be given to prevent cancer. The Pap Smear test is the simple procedure used for Cervical cancer screening.
In this procedure, a small plastic speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold the walls of the vagina open so that the doctor can see the neck of the womb or cervix. A gentle scraping is then taken with a wooden spatula or brush and cells are either deposited onto a slide or into a suspension.
These are then sent off to be looked at down the microscope by a pathologist to see if there are any pre-cancerous changes. This is not painful and probably won’t be the best part of your day, but it sure beats treatment for Cancer!
At What Age to Start Cervical Screening
Cervical Screening or Pap Smear testing should start by age 26 and must be done at least every three years until age 50, unless more frequent check-ups are necessary because changes are found. After age 50, the screenings are recommended every five years until the age of 65. The newer liquid based cytology method also allows us to test for the common types of Human Papilloma virus which cause cancer.
For Cervical Screening (Pap Smear test) at Ames Medical, call us to Book an Appointment: +1 868 221-3983