Cervical cancer is the fourth leading type of cancer in women, with 660,000 new cases popping up yearly worldwide. These numbers are frightening, especially when there are so many preventive measures and ways to stay on top of cervical cancer.
Pap smears and HPV testing are two vital preventive tests that find cervical cancer early when it's treatable. Every woman should take cervical cancer seriously, as it causes 350,000 deaths annually.
Dr. John Paul Roberts is an experienced and esteemed OB/GYN who offers Pap smears and other women's health treatments at his practice in Plano, Texas. He also provides preventive care measures for women, including mammograms, STD testing, and birth control.
Since January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we want to explain the role of Pap smears in detecting and preventing this type of cancer.
A Pap smear is a screening tool we use to find changes in your cervical tissue that indicate or could lead to cancer. We perform the test during a routine pelvic exam, using a small tool to collect cells inside the cervix.
The test is quick, only taking a few seconds. You may feel some discomfort or cramping during cell collection, but it dissipates quickly. We then send the cells off to a lab for testing. We call you with the results of the Pap test.
The following steps in care depend on the results and if you have active cervical cancer or cells that could turn into cancer without treatment.
Pap smears are the best way to detect cervical cancer early. It often doesn't show signs or symptoms until it's progressed, which is why Pap smears are crucial to women's health.
They don't just detect cervical cancer — Pap smears also find cells that have changed and could turn into cancer without the proper treatment. We may either watch these cells with more frequent Pap tests or take another type of sample we send off for further testing.
Routine Pap smears save lives. They detect cervical cancer early when it's most treatable. Without early detection, cervical cancer may spread to other areas and be more challenging to manage.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. It's a prevalent virus that spreads during sexual contact with an infected partner. You won't know if you have HPV unless you have the proper testing.
Not every woman needs an HPV test along with a Pap smear. Dr. Roberts discusses your medical history and follows the federal guidelines on HPV testing for cervical cancer detection.
You may need just an HPV test, just a Pap smear, or both, depending on your symptoms, age, and sexual partners. If you think you may have had contact with a partner infected with HPV, you may need an HPV or Pap test sooner than your yearly exam.
Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on Pap smears and HPV tests is crucial for your health. The testing frequency depends on many factors, including your age, test results, and sexual history.
Dr. Roberts follows the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the CDC on Pap smears for his patients, although there are always exceptions. You should have your first Pap test at the age of 21. Up until 30, a Pap test is only necessary every third year as long as each test comes back normal.
From age 30 to 65, you have several options for cervical cancer screening. You may have a Pap test every third year, as long as each test is normal, or an HPV test every five years. The third option is to have the Pap and HPV test together every five years for normal results.
After age 65, you may not need Pap or HPV testing if you've never had precancerous cells, no longer have a cervix or had normal Pap and HPV tests in the last 10 years.
Dr. Roberts understands the importance of Pap smears and discusses guidelines based on your needs and health.
Call our office in Plano, Texas, today to schedule an appointment for a Pap test. You can also request a consultation using our convenient online booking tool.
