Few screenings are as crucial and potentially life-saving as a cervical smear test. Yet, too many women still avoid getting them regularly, some not even getting them at all.
With 3300 new cervical cancer cases documented in the UK every year (that is about 9 new cervical cancer cases a day), cervical cancer is currently the 14th most common cancer, and let it be known, cervical cancer is deadly, and it is a silent killer too.
Many women are not even aware they have cervical cancer until it is too late to treat it. Therefore, we cannot stress the importance of getting regular cervical smears enough.
What Is A Cervical Smear?
A cervical smear test is also known as a Pap smear. It involves collecting cells from your cervix (the lower part of your uterus) and examining these cervical cells under a microscope.
The goal is to detect any abnormal changes in your cervical cells, which could indicate precancerous conditions or early-stage cervical cancer. These abnormalities can be monitored or treated promptly, and by doing so, your risk of developing invasive cervical cancer is reduced.
That is incredible! To reiterate, cervical smears help detect PREcancerous conditions that could develop into cancer, but BEFORE it has developed into cancer. We all know early intervention is key and gives you the best fighting chance, and cervical smears give you an even better fighting chance.
Of course, many women know this, yet still shy away from booking an appointment and getting a cervical smear. Men do it too, they avoid prostate examinations like the plague.
In the UK alone, research has shown that about 74% of men do not know what the prostate does, and nearly half (44%) do not know where it is located in their body. Those who do know what the prostate does and where it is located dread the thought of someone having to perform a prostate exam on them.
Tragically, studies have shown that each year in the UK about 50 000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 12 000 of them tragically die from the disease.
And only 6% of men undergo prostate-specific antigen testing each year.
We are here to tell you both a prostate exam and a cervical smear are relatively quick and painless, so no excuses.
Most cervical smears are performed during a routine gynaecological examination, of course, given that you schedule a routine gynaecological exam.
Yes, we are looking at you if you have not scheduled one in years.
Importance Of Regular Cervical Smears
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, primarily because of the effectiveness of cervical smears in detecting abnormalities long before the cancer develops. By booking a cervical smear test each year plays a huge role in preventative cancer care.
Of course, certain factors, such as an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection or a history of abnormal cervical smear results, may increase your risk of cervical cancer, making regular screenings all the more important to monitor your health,
To recap, early detection of precancerous cells allows for less invasive and more effective treatment options and can lead to better outcomes and a higher likelihood of successful treatment.
When Should You Get A Cervical Smear?
The recommended guidelines can vary depending on your age, medical history, family history and individual risk factors. However, general guidelines typically include:
Starting Age: Most healthcare organisations recommend going for your first cervical smear at age 21, regardless of sexual activity or HPV vaccination status.
Ages 21 to 65: Cervical smears are generally recommended every three years, assuming results are normal. If results are abnormal and cancer-causing HPV (type 16 and 18) has been detected, a cervical smear is recommended each year.
After Age 65: If you have a history of normal cervical smears and no high-risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend discontinuing cervical smears after age 65.
What Cervical Smears Help Detect
Precancerous Changes: Cervical smears detect abnormal cervical cells that indicate precancerous changes (such as cervical dysplasia). Early identification allows for monitoring or treatment to prevent progression to cervical cancer.
HPV Infections: Cervical smears may also detect the presence of HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer: While cervical smears are primarily intended to detect precancerous changes, they can also identify actual cervical cancer.
History Of Cervical Smears
The test was independently invented in the 1920s by the Greek physician Georgios Papanikolaou and named after him (Papanikolaou smear = Pap smear) and his wife, Andromache Mavroyenous.
A simplified version of the test was introduced by the Canadian obstetrician Anna Marion Hilliard in 1957. Please note that the significance of the cervical smear was recognised as one of the most significant advances in cancer control in the 20th century.
That speaks volumes.
In Closing
Every human roaming the earth should prioritise their health because being healthy is a gift.
Regular cervical smears help you preserve that gift. They provide all women with the opportunity to monitor their health and prevent cervical cancer.
Remember, a cervical smear is not just a test. It is a potentially life-saving test. If you are a daughter, a wife, a mom, or have a daughter, the greatest thing you can do for your family is ensure you live a long and healthy life with the ones you love the most.
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