Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable cancers. The Pap smear is a test that can detect early changes in the cervix (neck of the womb), before cancer develops. A Pap smear every two years reduces occurrence and deaths from cervical cancer. Three out of four women who develop cervical cancer have not had regular Pap smears.
It’s a quick and simple procedure with no drugs or anaesthetics needed – a number of cells are collected from the cervix and sent to a laboratory. It can be done by a GP, Registered Nurse, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist or Health Worker.
All women who have ever had sexual contact should commence having Pap smears
between the ages of 18 to 20, or within two years after first sexual contact,
whichever is later.
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