Can you request a smear test early
- when should you get a smear test
- when should you get a smear test done
- how often should you have a smear test after 50
- how often should you get a pap test
Reasons not to have a smear test.
Do's and don'ts before a smear test
Screening for Cervical Cancer
Screening tests
The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
- The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
Both tests can be done in a doctor's office or clinic.
During the Pap test, the doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to look inside your vagina. This helps the doctor examine the vagina and the cervix, and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it.
The cells are sent to a laboratory.
- If you are getting a Pap test, the cells will be checked to see if they look normal.
- If you are getting an HPV test, the cells will be tested for HPV.
What is cervical precancer? When there are cervical cells that look abnormal but are not yet cancerous, it is called cervical precancer.
These abnormal cells may be the first sign of cancer that develops years
- when can you have a smear test period
- can you get a smear test when pregnant