“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:
Cervical Screening
What is cervical screening?
DotS the definition of cervical screening may vary. The United Kingdom) NHS’s (National Health Service) 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:
Ovarian Cancer
Does a Pap test screen for ovarian cancer?
No. 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, Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
Does a Pap test screen for uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers?
No. In Gynecologic Cancers: Uterine Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening? the CDC explain:
“The Pap test does not screen for uterine cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical 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:
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:
Early Detection
Is there an association between the early detection of cervical cancer and regular Pap tests.
In Cervical Cancer the ACS explain:
Not Screened
Is there an association between cervical cancer and not having regular Pap Tests?
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:
“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:
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:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Pap Tests?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- #SmearForSmear [United Kingdom]
- About HPV and Cervical Cancer
- Atypical Cells: Are They Cancer?
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer Awareness
- Cervical Cancer Awareness [+ Video – Ana’s Story: Cervical Cancer]
- Cervical Cancer Awareness: Screening Tests
- Cervical Cancer FAQs
- Cervical Cancer Overview
- Cervical Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
- Cervical Cancer Prevention Week [18–24 January 2021, United Kingdom]
- Cervical Cancer Risks and Causes
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Infographic)
- Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version [+ Images]
- Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: What Is Screening? [+ Images]
- Cervical Cancer Screening – Multiply Languages
- Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap and HPV Tests
- Cervical Cancer Survivor: ‘Don’t Let Fear Keep You From Going To the Doctor’
- Cervical Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version
- Cervical Cancer [+ Image]
- Cervical Cancer – Multiply Languages
- Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
- Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection – Additional Resources
- Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
- Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Cervical Cancer?
- Cervical Cancer: Getting Diagnosed
- Cervical Cancer: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
- 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?
- Cervical Cancer: Screening
- Cervical Cancer–Patient Version
- Cervical Health Awareness Month [United States]: January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month: Ten Things To Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Health Awareness Month: Information, Research, Patient Services, Advocacy
- Cervical Health Awareness Month
- Cervical Screening
- Cervical Screening Test [Australia]
- Cervical Screening: Leaflet for Women Considering Screening [Multiply Languages] [United Kingdom]
- Cervical Screening: More Information About Cervical Screening – Cervical Screening [Video]
- Cervical Screening: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
- Cervical Screening: Overview – More Information About Cervical Screening: Cervical Screening [Video]
- Cervical Screening: Profiles – Age 45-59 [Video Interview Stories]
- Cervical Screening: Profiles – Age 60+ [Video Interview Stories]
- Cervical Screening: Programme Overview [United Kingdom]
- Cervical Screening: Smear Test
- Cervical Screening: What Is Cervical Screening? How Cervical Screening Is Done [Video]
- Cervical Screening: When You’ll Be Invited [United Kingdom]
- Cervical Screening: Why It’s Important
- Changes To Pap Tests In Australia
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Coping With Your Feelings
- Gynaecological Cancers
- Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer
- Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – Basic Information About Cervical Cancer
- Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
- Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer?
- Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening?
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- HPV Infection: How Does It Cause Cervical Cancer?
- HPV Vaccine: Who Needs It, How It Works
- HPV Vaccines
- HPV and Cancer
- HPV and Pap Testing
- HPV and Pap Testing: Do Women Who Have Been Vaccinated Against HPV Still Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer?
- HPV and Pap Testing: How Is Cervical Cancer Screening Done?
- HPV and Pap Testing: What Is Cervical Cancer Screening?
- HPV and Pap Testing: When Should A Woman Begin Cervical Cancer Screening, and How Often Should She Be Screened
- Have You Heard the Secret To Cervical Cancer Prevention?
Human Papillomavirus
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Questions and Answers
- Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
- Hysterectomy: I’ve Had A Hysterectomy. Do I Still Need To Have Pap Tests?
- Is It Time for Your Screen Test? [+ Video]
- Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Importance of Cervical Cancer Screening With HPV Test, Pap Test or Both
- Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Screening Can Catch Cervical Cancer Early
- Myths and Facts
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You
- National Cervical Cancer Coalition
- National Cervical Screening Program [Australia]
- Pap Smear
- Pap Smear: Do I Need One If I’m A Virgin?
- Pap Smear: Still Needed After Hysterectomy?
- The Cervix
- The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test
- U.S. Preventative Services Task Force – Cervical Cancer: Screening
- Video Series-2020 – What To Ask Your Clinician About the HPV Vaccine
- What You Need To Know About Testing for Cervical Cancer
- Women’s Wellness: Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Updated [United States] [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/index Accessed: 18 December 2020
- Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: Cervical Cancer Screening – A Pap Test Is Commonly Used To Screen for Cervical Cancer. Updated 18 September 2020. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/cervical/Patient/page3 Accessed: 18 December 2020
- Cervical Screening: Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 31 March 2020. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/ Accessed: 18 December 2020
- Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version: Cervical Cancer Screening – Key Points. Updated 18 September 2020. National Cancer Institute https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/ Accessed: 18 December 2020
- Gynecologic Cancers: Ovarian Cancer – Basic Information: What Should I Know About Screening? Page Last Reviewed: 15 August 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 18 December 2020
- Gynecologic Cancers: Uterine Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening? Page Last Reviewed: 09 August 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 18 December 2020
- Sexually Transmitted Infections: Does A Pap Test Screen for STIs? Medical Review In 2017. 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: 18 December 2020
- 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: 18 December 2020
- HIV and AIDS: Diagnosis. Page Last Reviewed: 03 April 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/diagnosis/ Accessed: 18 December 2020
- Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/index Accessed: 18 December 2020
- 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: 11 November 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/moreinformation/cervicalcancerpreventionandearlydetection/cervical-cancer-prevention-and-early-detection-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines Accessed: 18 December 2020
- 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: 18 December 2020
- Burnett, T. Still Needed After Hysterectomy? 22 October 2020 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/expert-answers/pap-smear/faq-20058344 Accessed: 18 December 2020
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Provider Near You. Page Last Reviewed: 16 December 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm Accessed: 18 December 2020