How Do They Check for Cervical Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer normally begins in cells that line the cervix. The cells undergo a series of pre-cancerous changes that eventually become cervical cancer. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, squamous intraepithelial lesion and dysplasia are terms used to describe three types of cervical pre-cancerous changes.

Fact

• Pre-cancerous changes in the cervix can develop into cervical cancer. It is possible to prevent the disease by treating the pre-cancerous cells before they worsen. Another option is to stop the pre-cancerous changes from happening in the first place.

Testing

• Cervical cancer is detected with a Pap test, which is also called a Pap smear. A Pap smear is a routine test given to women during gynecological exams. The test is important because it detects pre-cancerous changes in the cervix before cancer develops.

Procedure

• The Pap smear procedure is often uncomfortable or sometimes painful for some women. The patient must lay face-up on an exam table with her knees bent and legs placed in stirrups for support. A speculum is then placed into the vagina to widen the opening. Next, a small cervical brush or scraper is used to take a small sample of cells from the cervix. The sample is placed on a glass slide, and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Frequency

• According to the National Cancer Institute, a Pap smear is necessary at least once every three years. A woman should have her first exam within three years of becoming sexually active. If no sexual activity has occurred, she should have her first exam by the time she's 21 years old.

Considerations

• Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in countries where Pap smears aren't readily available. Women in these countries are often diagnosed with cervical cancer after the cancer is already in the late stages.