Pap smear tests
In the 1940s, Dr George Papanicolaou developed a test that detected pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. This procedure became known as the Pap smear, or Pap test.
Why should I have a Pap smear?
A Pap smear can detect changes in the cells of the cervix at an early stage. These changes may lead to cancer later on, so by finding them early they can be treated before the cancerous changes occur. Like many tests the Pap smear is not always 100 per cent accurate. Sometimes the smear sample taken may miss abnormal cells, or it may be hard to read because it contains blood or mucus. But despite these limitations, according to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing’s National Cervical Screening Program, regular Pap smears every 2 years can help prevent up to 90 per cent of the most common type of cervical cancer.
How is a Pap smear done?
The test can be done in your doctor’s office in a few minutes as part of a pelvic examination. You may feel uncomfortable for a few moments during the test, but it should cause no pain and no anaesthetic is required. You should have the results in one or 2 weeks.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
The most common type of cervical cancer can take more than 10 years to develop, so a test every 2 years is usually often enough. However, if your previous tests have shown any changes, or you are at higher risk of getting cervical cancer (see below) your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
What if I get an abnormal smear result?
If your test does have an abnormal result, try not to worry — at least one in every 10 test results may have a notation or comment of some type. There are many reasons why this might happen and most are not serious, so ask for an explanation and discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor. If abnormal cells are noted in the smear you may be referred for further testing and treatment.
Who should have a Pap smear?
As a general guideline, you should have an initial smear test within one to 2 years of becoming sexually active. Even if you have had the cervical cancer vaccine (Gardasil or Cervarix), you still need to have Pap smear tests. Subsequent smear tests should be performed every 2 years, even if you are no longer having sex — the risk of cervical cancer increases with age. It is estimated that at least 50 per cent of women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year are over 50.
You should continue having these tests through menopause, until the age of 70 when your doctor may advise that continued testing is no longer required.
If you have had a total hysterectomy, routine Pap tests may no longer be necessary, but it is important that you check with your doctor before discontinuing them.
Who needs more frequent testing?
If you are judged to be at high risk for cervical cancer your doctor may decide you should have more frequent testing. You are at higher risk if:
- you began sexual activity at an early age, especially if you had multiple sexual partners;
- you have had a male sexual partner who has had multiple sexual partners;
- you have a history of particular sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as infection with the virus that causes genital warts (HPV or human papillomavirus);
- your immune system is weakened through HIV or if you are a transplant patient;
- you have a history of abnormal Pap tests; or
- you smoke heavily.
Where do I go for a Pap smear?
Pap smears are available through your GP, family planning clinic or health or medical centre and the test is generally covered under Medicare. However, costs may vary, so check when making an appointment.
Pap smear registers are now in operation in each state and territory. These registers are part of Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program. When you have a Pap smear you will automatically go onto this register for reminders and follow up if necessary.
Last Reviewed: 04 September 2009
- 1. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. National Cervical Screening Program. Available from: http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/cervical-about (accessed Nov 2009).
