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A Pap smear is a simple test to check your cervix to make sure it is healthy. It takes only a few minutes and is not painful – and it is a very important screening tool for cancer.
A Pap smear can detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer. This can allow time for preventative treatment. In addition to detecting precancerous lesions, pap tests can also help to spot any other issues that may appear in the cervical or vaginal area, such as infections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, 12,578 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States, while the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that approximately 13,240 new cases were diagnosed in 2018.
There are several types of treatment and intervention available for cervical cancer, but for these to be most effective, it is crucial to spot it as early as possible.
This is why getting smear tests as advised is so important.