It’s essential for every woman to understand what cervical cancer is, what a Pap smear is, what it involves, and how technology for women’s health screenings has evolved.
Cervical cancer is the disorderly growth, development, and multiplication of cells in the cervix (or uterus). It is the second most common cause of death among women in Latin America, with around 68,818 cases per year. This type of cancer is associated with infection by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact and affects 8 out of 10 people (men and women) at some point in their lives. Only one in a thousand women infected with this virus will go on to develop cancer.
Some symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or pain
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
What is a Pap smear?The Pap smear, or cervical cytology, is one of the most effective screening tests for detecting cervical cancer early. The goal of this test is to look for abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer over time, so that if any abnormality is detected, treatment can begin promptly.
Why should I get a Pap smear?This test can save a patient’s life by identifying precancerous cell changes that could develop into cancer. When detected early, cervical cancer treatment offers a much higher chance of a cure.
It is estimated that half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer had not undergone regular screening. In the United States, deaths from cervical cancer have dropped by 74% thanks to increased use of the Pap smear and the greater sensitivity introduced by the new liquid-based cytology system.
What does the liquid-based Pap test involve?This test collects a larger number of cells, removing elements that can make it harder to diagnose cervical cancer or precancerous lesions.
Advantages of the liquid-based Pap system over the conventional Pap smear include:
- A 64.4% increase in early detection of precancerous lesions.
- A significantly lower number of inconclusive results.
- Higher-quality, more reliable diagnosis, offering greater peace of mind.
- Fewer false negatives.
It’s recommended to have a Pap smear once a year to help prevent cervical cancer (if you have or have had a sexually transmitted disease, you should be screened every six months).
It’s important to stay informed and ask your gynecologist. Remember that ABC Medical Center has specialists ready to see you. You can reach them through our Physician Directory.
At ABC Medical Center’s Gynecology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
