PAP smear test
A Pap smear is a procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix for testing. It also is called a Pap test.
A Pap test is often used to look for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer screening with a Pap test can find cervical cancer early, when it’s more likely to be cured.
In addition to looking for cancer cells, a Pap test also looks for cells that could become cancer in the future. If the test finds precancerous cells, treatments could help prevent cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women with around 1,23,907 new cases and around 77,346 deaths in 2023. Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV.
Prophylactic vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions are effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer and are very cost-effective. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.