Why should I be screened?
In the early stages of cervical cancer women will not have any symptoms. The pre-cancerous changes of the cervix can only be detected with a pelvic exam or a pap smear. This is why frequent screening is necessary to catch cervical cancer while it is still highly treatable.
Screening Guidelines:
- Start screening at the age of 21
- Between ages 21 and 29 screen every 3 years
- Between ages 30 and 65 screen every 5 years
- After the age of 65 no further screening is necessary
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What does it mean to “get screened”?
Cervical Cancer screening comes in 3 forms:
Conventional Cytology (Pap Smear)
Pap smears are standard method for early detection of cervical cancer. It is a collection of cells from the cervix that are evaluated in a lab for abnormalities
Liquid Based Cytology
LBC is a newer method of cytology that uses liquid preservatives to make abnormal cells more clearly visible to lab technicians
HPV co-test
The HPV co-test takes cell samples from the pap smear and looks for the human papillomavirus – the cause of cervical cancer
All three options are screening tests that, when completed regularly, can help detect early signs of cervical cancer and prevent further progression of the cancer
Click on the above screening options for websites with more information
What will screening be like?
BEFORE APPOINTMENT
To be screened you must first make an appointment with a gynecologist (a doctor specialized in women’s healthcare).
Click HERE to find locations nearest to you. At least 2 days before going, avoid the following so as not to ruin samples for screening tests:
- Do not douche (rinse the vagina with water or another fluid)
- Do not use a tampon
- Do not have sex
- Do not use a birth control foam, cream, or jelly
- Do not use a medicine or cream in your vagina
DURING APPOINTMENT
During your appointment you will be asked to undress from the waist down. Your pelvis and thighs will be covered by a sheet. The doctor might have you place your feet in stirrups, with your knees bent and legs spread apart. The doctor will then do both external and internal examinations
External Examination
The doctor will look for sores, swelling, or other problems with external genitalia
Internal Examination
This is to check the internal female organs (ovaries and uterus). This is also when the doctor will complete the pap smear. The doctor will place a hand on your stomach and 2 fingers inside the vagina. The doctor will use a tool called a speculum to open the vaginal wall. The purpose of this test is to feel the size and position of the ovaries and uterus as well as to complete internal exams (visual exam, STD testing, and pap smear). It may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If you visit a doctor that you like and trust, it should help you feel more comfortable during your visit.
Pap Smear
The doctor will use a small brush or spatula to collect cells on the cervix (internal female genetailia). This is completed during the internal exam. The cells will be sent to a lab to be checked for abnormalities.
REMEMBER
It may be uncomfortable to be examined for HPV or cervical cancer, but it is important to do it so that you can make sure you are healthy. Going to the gynecologist is like brushing your teeth or washing your hands; it is something you do to take care of your body and keep it working well. Find a doctor that you like and trust, and know that when you go to visit them, they want the same thing as you– to keep you healthy and to know if anything is happening that they need to help you with. You may not like going to see the gynecologist, but it is better than getting sick.
Additional Websites:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/pap-smears.html#cat20015
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pap-test.html
http://www.texascancer.info/access/access_harris.pdf
http://www.simmd.com/Home/PatientEducation/tabid/16255/ctl/View/mid/28774/Default.aspx?ContentPubID=30