How to Get a Pap Smear to Test for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the more common forms of cancer faced by women today. It affects the tissue in and around the cervix and, if left untreated, can spread to other organs. Cervical cancer is one of the more treatable forms of cancer, with survival rates as high as 95 percent (if caught in its initial stages). Getting a Pap smear performed is probably the best way to detect cervical cancer early.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Gynecologist/oncologist

1. Avoid scheduling an appointment with your doctor during menstruation. Only in emergency situations should you schedule a Pap smear during menstruation, as it is impractical for producing reliable tissue samples.
2. Be sure not to douche or engage in sexual intercourse prior to receiving a Pap smear. The test can be compromised by contamination, causing false results. It is best to allow for 48 hours of inactivity prior to receiving a Pap smear.
3. Be prepared for mild side effects after receiving a Pap test. Minor bleeding, cramping and mild pain are potential side effects after a Pap smear, though they are fairly rare.
4. Understand that, according to the American Cancer Society, Pap smears return positive results 5 percent to 7 percent of the time (see Resources below). This is because the test detects abnormalities in the tissue besides those directly associated with cervical cancer.
5. Schedule a Pap test immediately if you haven't had the test performed for several years. According to the American Cancer Society, 60 to 80 percent of all newly diagnosed American women with invasive cervical cancer haven't been in for a Pap test within the last five years.
6. Follow up by making Pap tests a regular part of your healthcare routine. If you have difficulty paying for the test, take advantage of the many free services offered in your area. You should have a Pap test taken at least once a year.
7. Help prevent cancer in other ways. You can quit smoking, add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet and maintain a healthy weight, for starters.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a Pap smear performed at the same time every year to ensure consistent screening. This approach makes the likelihood of catching problems far greater than if you got the test irregularly.
• Ask your doctor to perform a visual check of your cervix in addition to the Pap smear. This is a vital part of your gynecological exam.
• In the event of a cancer diagnosis, be on the lookout for signs of depression. A calamitous event like a cancer diagnosis can lead directly to anxiety, feelings of intense anger or depression. Remember, these psychological conditions can and should be treated, whether through medication, talk therapy, the help of a religious or spiritual leader or the comfort of a support group.