Pap Test

“Cervical cancer can often be found early,
and sometimes even prevented,
by having regular screening tests”.1

Umbrella
What may the Pap Test Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cervical Screening Procedure/Test
  • Pap Smear
  • Pap Smear Test
  • Pap Test
  • Smear Test

Pap Test

What is a Pap test?

DotS the definition of a Pap test may vary. The (United States) National Institute of Cancer’s (NCI) definition is:

“A Pap test is a procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal. This procedure is also called a Pap smear”.2

Cervical Screening

What is cervical screening?

DotS the definition of cervical screening may vary. The United Kingdom) NHS’s definition is:

  • “Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina
  • It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer”.3

Cervical Cancer

What does a Pap test screen for?

In Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: Cervical Cancer Screening – Key Points [+ Images] the NCI explain:

Pap Test

“A Pap test is commonly used to screen for cervical cancer”.4

Ovarian Cancer

Does a Pap test screen for ovarian cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information: What Should I Know About Screening? the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note:

“The Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer”.5

Uterine Cancer

Does a Pap test screen for uterine cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Uterine Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening? the CDC explain:

“The Pap test does not screen for uterine cancer”.6

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Does a Pap test screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

In Sexually Transmitted Infections: Does A Pap Test Screen for STIs? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

“No. Pap testing is mainly used to look for cell changes that could be cancer or precancer. However, your doctor may test you for HPV in addition to doing the Pap test if you are older than 30.

If you want to be tested for STIs, you must ask your doctor or nurse”.7

In STD Testing: What’s Right for You? the (United States) Mayo Clinic also caution:

“Don’t assume that you’re receiving STI testing every time you have a gynecologic exam or Pap test. If you think that you need STI testing, request it from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and what tests you’d like or need”.8

HIV

Does a Pap test screen for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

No. In HIV and AIDS: Diagnosis the NHS note:

“The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have an HIV test, as symptoms of HIV may not appear for many years. Anyone who thinks they could have HIV should get tested”.9

Early Detection

Is there an association between the early detection of cervical cancer and regular Pap tests.

In Cervical Cancer the ACS explain:

“Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented entirely, by having regular Pap tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers”.10

Not Screened

Is there an association between cervical cancer and not having regular Pap Tests?

In Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Prevention – The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer: Importance of Being Screened for Cervical Cancer the ACS note:

“Despite the benefits of cervical cancer screening, not all American women get screened. Most cervical cancers are found in women who have never had a Pap test or who have not had one recently. Women without health insurance and women who have recently immigrated are less likely to have cervical cancer screening”.11

Start

When may women start regular Pap tests?

Depending on You (DoY), DotS and/or DoYC’s (Depending on Your Country’s) cervical cancer screening program, when women start regular Pap tests can vary. It may therefore be in your best interest to choose to check what’s-what for you.

In HPV and Pap Testing: When Should A Woman Begin Cervical Cancer Screening, and How Often Should She Be Screened? the NCI explain:

Pap Test “Women should talk with their doctor about when to start screening and how often to be screened”.12

In Changes To Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines  and Proposed Changes To Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines the (United States) National Cervical Cancer Coalition explain how the cervical cancer screening guidelines have been updated in the United States.

Stop

When may women stop regular Pap tests?

DoY, DotS and/or DoYC’s cervical screening program, when women stop regular Pap tests can vary. It may therefore be in your best interest to choose to check with your health care provider what’s-what for you.

A Mayo Clinic author explains:

“If you’re unsure whether you still need Pap tests, discuss with your doctor what’s best for you”.13

Screening Programs

Where may women find information about cervical cancer screening or early detection programs?

Women may find information about cervical cancer screening or early detection programs from their health care provider, or their country’s equivalent of a local community health center or a national and/or state Department/Center/Institute of Aging/Cancer/Disease Control and Prevention/Health/Human Services.

Or your country may have a free cervical cancer screening or early detection program similar to Australia’s, the United Kingdom’s or the United States’.

United States’ Screening Program

What is the United States’ cervical cancer early detection program?

In National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You the CDC elaborate on:

“CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States”.14

Health Care Provider

What if I would like a Pap test?

If you would like a Pap Test, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this or find out about a cervical cancer screening or early detection program.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Pap Tests?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Pap Tests?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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  1. About HPV and Cervical Cancer
  2. Atypical Cells: Are They Cancer?
  3. Cervical Cancer
  4. Cervical Cancer
  5. Cervical Cancer
  6. Cervical Cancer Pap Tests and HPV Tests
  7. Cervical Cancer
  8. Cervical Cancer
  9. Cervical Cancer
  10. Cervical Cancer
  11. Cervical Cancer
  12. Cervical Cancer Awareness
  13. Cervical Cancer Awareness [+ Video – Ana’s Story: Cervical Cancer]
  14. Cervical Cancer Awareness: Screening Tests
  15. Cervical Cancer FAQs
  16. Cervical Cancer Overview
  17. Cervical Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  18. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week [United Kingdom] Pap Test
  19. Cervical Cancer Risks and Causes
  20. Cervical Cancer Screening
  21. Cervical Cancer Screening
  22. Cervical Cancer Screening (Infographic)
  23. Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version [+ Images]
  24. Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: What Is Screening? [+ Images]
  25. Cervical Cancer Screening – Multiply Languages
  26. Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap and HPV Tests
  27. Cervical Cancer Survivor: ‘Don’t Let Fear Keep You From Going To the Doctor’
  28. Cervical Cancer Symptoms
  29. Cervical Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version
  30. Cervical Cancer [+ Image]
  31. Cervical Cancer – Multiply Languages
  32. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
  33. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
  34. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
  35. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection – Additional Resources
  36. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
  37. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: The HPV Test
  38. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer: The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test
  39. Cervical Cancer: Getting Diagnosed
  40. Cervical Cancer: Prevention of Cervical Cancer: The Cervical Cancer Vaccine – Do You Still Need To Have Pap Smear Tests If You Have Had the Vaccine?
  41. Cervical Cancer: Screening
  42. Cervical Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Lack of Regular Cervical Screening Tests
  43. Cervical Cancer–Patient Version
  44. Cervical Health Awareness Month [United States]: January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month: Ten Things To Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer Pap Test
  45. Cervical Health Awareness Month: Information, Research, Patient Services, Advocacy
  46. Cervical Screening
  47. Cervical Screening (Smear Test)
  48. Cervical Screening Awareness Week [14-20 June 2021, United Kingdom]
  49. Cervical Screening Test [Australia]
  50. Cervical Screening: Leaflet for Women Considering Screening [Multiply Languages] [United Kingdom]
  51. Cervical Screening: More Information About Cervical Screening – Cervical Screening [Video]
  52. Cervical Screening: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  53. Cervical Screening: Overview – More Information About Cervical Screening: Cervical Screening [Video]
  54. Cervical Screening: Programme Overview [United Kingdom]
  55. Cervical Screening: Smear Test
  56. Cervical Screening: What Is Cervical Screening? How Cervical Screening Is Done [Video]
  57. Cervical Screening: When You’ll Be Invited [United Kingdom]
  58. Cervical Screening: Why It’s Important
  59. CervingConfidence [+ Video]
  60. Colposcopy
  61. Colposcopy
  62. Coping With Your Feelings
  63. Gynaecological Cancers
  64. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer
  65. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – Basic Information About Cervical Cancer
  66. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
  67. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer?
  68. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening?
  69. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  70. HPV Infection: How Does It Cause Cervical Cancer?
  71. HPV Vaccine: Who Needs It, How It Works
  72. HPV Vaccines
  73. HPV and Cancer
  74. HPV and Pap Testing
  75. HPV and Pap Testing: Do Women Who Have Been Vaccinated Against HPV Still Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer?
  76. HPV and Pap Testing: How Is Cervical Cancer Screening Done?
  77. HPV and Pap Testing: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening?
  78. HPV and Pap Testing: When Should A Woman Begin Cervical Cancer Screening, and How Often Should She Be Screened
  79. Have You Heard the Secret To Cervical Cancer Prevention? Pap Test
  80. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  81. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer
  82. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV Infection
  83. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Questions and Answers
  84. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  85. Hysterectomy: I’ve Had A Hysterectomy. Do I Still Need To Have Pap Tests?
  86. Is It Time for Your Screen Test? [+ Video]
  87. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust [United Kingdom]
  88. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust [United Kingdom]: Our Videos
  89. Let’s Talk About…Smear Tests When You Have Endometriosis
  90. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Importance of Cervical Cancer Screening With HPV Test, Pap Test or Both
  91. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Screening Can Catch Cervical Cancer Early [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  92. Myths and Facts
  93. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
  94. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You
  95. National Cervical Cancer Coalition [United States]
  96. National Cervical Screening Program [Australia]
  97. Pap Smear
  98. Pap Smear: Do I Need One If I’m A Virgin?
  99. Pap Smear: Still Needed After Hysterectomy?
  100. The Cervix
  101. The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/index Accessed: 09 December 2021
  2. Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: Cervical Cancer Screening – Key Points. Updated 27 August 2021. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/cervical/Patient/page3 Accessed: 09 December 2021
  3. Cervical Screening: Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 31 March 2020. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/ Accessed: 09 December 2021
  4. Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: Cervical Cancer Screening – Key Points. Updated 27 August 2021. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-screening-pdq Accessed: 09 December 2021
  5. Gynecologic Cancers: Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information: What Should I Know About Screening? Page Last Reviewed: 15 March 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 09 December 2021
  6. Gynecologic Cancers: Uterine Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening? Page Last Reviewed: 05 August 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 09 December 2021
  7. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Does A Pap Test Screen for STIs? Page Last Updated: 11 June 2019. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections Accessed: 09 December 2021
  8. STD Testing: What’s Right for You? 16 September 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019 Accessed: 09 December 2021
  9. HIV and AIDS: Diagnosis. Page Last Reviewed: 22 April 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/diagnosis/ Accessed: 09 December 2021
  10. Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/index Accessed: 09 December 2021
  11. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Prevention – The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer: Importance of Being Screened for Cervical Cancer. Last Revised: 22 April 2021. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines.html Accessed: 09 December 2021
  12. HPV and Pap Testing: When Should A Woman Begin Cervical Cancer Screening, and How Often Should She Be Screened? Reviewed: 20 December 2019. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/Pap-HPV-testing Accessed: 09 December 2021
  13. Burnett, T. Still Needed After Hysterectomy? 22 October 2020 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/expert-answers/pap-smear/faq-20058344 Accessed: 09 December 2021
  14. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Provider Near You. Page Last Reviewed: 10 November 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm Accessed: 09 December 2021

Topic Last Updated: 09 December 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 09 December 2021
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