Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide. This dangerous cancer, which can arise as a result of many different risk factors, can be diagnosed at an early stage with the Pap smear test. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, who states that the PAP smear test should not be neglected for the assessment of cervical cancer, precancerous lesions and infections, shared important information.
Cervical Cancer Is Widely Seen
Cervical cancer, also called cancer of the cervix, is frequently encountered worldwide. This disease, which affects women between the ages of 35 and 55 in particular, is seen quite rarely at young ages. Cervical cancer is not a condition that shows obvious signs until it spreads in the body. By the time a person begins to experience signs, the treatment options may already be largely limited. For this reason, diagnosing cancer of the cervix at the initial stage makes it possible to gain a great advantage in the treatment process. Today, the PAP smear test, which we can describe as a rather simple procedure, needs to be carried out regularly in order to detect at an early stage both cervical cancer and the cell changes that suggest cancer could develop in the future.
The PAP Smear Is Not a Procedure to Be Feared
We use a series of examinations and test methods to protect women’s health and to diagnose possible diseases. The Pap smear is one of the most important of the tests that should be applied regularly for both diagnosis and follow-up. The procedure is quite simple; unfortunately many women have mistaken ideas about the PAP smear. During the test, which is usually carried out during a routine gynaecological examination and takes only seconds, a sample of cervical cells is collected and these collected samples are then examined under a microscope.
Many Problems Can Be Diagnosed With the Smear Test
Smear test results are considered in two separate groups, negative and positive. A negative result means that no abnormality is found in the cervical cells. Positive results indicate that there is an abnormality in the cervical cells. However, positive results do not require immediate worry. With more detailed examinations such as colposcopy and biopsy, the causes of the cell changes can be found and the treatment process can be started quickly. The smear test is of great importance for starting the treatments that make it possible to extend life. For this reason, the smear test, which allows cancer of the cervix and precancerous cell changes to be diagnosed, should be carried out routinely.
The Smear Should Start After the Age of 21
The smear test should be carried out 3 years after the first sexual intercourse or from the age of 21 onwards. It would be ideal for women between 21 and 29 to have it every 3 years, and for those between 30 and 65 to have it every 5 years together with the HPV test. However, these intervals can become more frequent if there is an abnormality in the smear results. The time periods in which the smear test should be carried out and how often it should be repeated must be determined for each patient individually.