A PAP smear, also called a PAP test, is a screening procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. In which the cervix cells (the lower, narrow end of uterus that's at the top of your vagina) are gently scraped away and examined for abnormal growth or the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells. Those suffering from HPV may be at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Who should have a PAP smear and when?

· HIV-Positive

· Weakened immune system from  Chemotherapy or an organ transplant

· Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth

· Chronic corticosteroid use

·  History of smoking

· A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a PAP smear that showed precancerous cells.

· The frequency and need of PAP smear is determined by various factors, including your age and risk as mentioned below.

· Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and no history of cervical cancer do not need screening.

· Get regular PAP smears based on age, regardless of sexual activity status. That’s because the HPV virus can be dormant for years and then suddenly become active.

Expected Results of PAP smear

If results are normal i.e. negative, that means that no abnormal cells were identified, probably won’t need a PAP smear for another three years.If the test results are abnormal, this doesn’t mean cancer. It simply means that there are abnormal cells on cervix, some of which could be precancerous. Milder abnormal cells are more common than severe abnormalities. Depending on the test results further Screening will be planned as below

· Increasing the frequency of your PAP smears

·  Colposcopy can be done for getting a closer look

· Sometimes cervical tissue biopsy may be done.

What to expect by PAP smear test

· Early detection of  changes in cervical cells that may develop cancer in the future

· By detecting cervical cancer cells early with a PAP smear, treatment can start before it spreads and becomes a bigger concern.

·  Possible to test for HPV from the PAP smear specimen.

· Regular PAP screenings reduce cervical cancer rates and mortality

· It can be uncomfortable, but the brief discomfort can help protect your health.