By: Kristine Penner, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial

Every year, women face the “dreaded” Pap smear – a screening for cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, cells are scraped from the opening of the cervix and are then examined under a microscope. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens at the top of the vagina.

Frequency of a Pap Smear and HPV testing

Starting at age 21, women should have a Pap smear at least every 3 years. In addition to the Pap smear, women 30 or older should also undergo HPV testing at the same time as the Pap smear. A woman does not need a Pap smear after a total hysterectomy if she has never had any history of significantly abnormal pap smears.

HPV

HPV stands for human papilloma virus. There are many different forms of the virus – some can cause genital warts and other forms can cause cervical cancer. In fact, there are more than 100 different types of human papillomavirus and eighty percent of women will get an HPV infection at some point in their lifetime. Thankfully, even though HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer and some vaginal and vulvar cancers, most women who test positive for HPV will never develop cancer. .

Preparing for a Pap Smear

There are a few important things to remember when a woman has her Pap smear. She should tell her physician about any medicines she is taking, especially any contraceptives. It also is necessary to communicate if she has had an abnormal Pap smear in the past or might be pregnant.

The following should not be done 24 hours prior to the Pap smear:

• Have intercourse
• Use tampons

Ideally, Pap smears should not be scheduled when a women is menstruating. If a woman has unexpected bleeding, the exam should not be cancelled because this should be discussed with her physician.

Pap Smear “Myth”

Many women are diligent about getting their Pap smear and then believe that they have been tested for all gynecologic cancers. Many women do not know that pap smears only screen for cervical cancer. They do not screen for ovarian, uterine, vulvar or vaginal cancers.

While it is important for women to get their pap smears, it is equally important that women understand that this does not screen for all types of gynecologic cancers.

Know Your Body. Own Your Health.

Nearly 1 in 20 women are affected by gynecologic cancer.There is no routine testing for the other types of gynecologic cancers. In order to catch a gynecologic cancer at an early stage, it is important for a woman to be in tune with her body and pay attention to any changes. If new symptoms are occurring almost daily for more than a few weeks this can be a sign of gynecologic cancer. Do not hesitate – seek medical attention promptly.