Attention Women: The Importance of Pap Tests
Pap tests save lives. Pap smears can detect abnormalities before they turn into cancer. They’re the primary reason why cervical cancer deaths have dropped more than 50 percent in the U.S. over the past four decades. But women must remain vigilant in receiving their pap tests for this trend to continue. These tests can detect cancer at the earliest stages when the chances of successful treatment are at their highest. They can also spot cells that have the potential to turn cancerous over time, and stop the disease before it even has a chance to develop. Pap tests, also called Pap smears, are relatively simple procedures. A trained specialist uses a small brush or scraper to collect cells from the cervix, which are then sent to a lab for testing. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Pap tests should be part of every woman’s preventive health care routine.
