• A Pap smear (Pap test) is a way to look at a sample of cells taken from a woman's cervix. The test is used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer.

• All women who are or who have been sexually active, or who have reached age 21, should have an annual Pap smear. It is your best tool to detect pre-cancerous conditions and hidden, small tumors that may lead to cervical cancer. If detected early, cervical cancer can be cured.

• Your SSWC provider can discuss the option of checking for High Risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) strains.  This can be done at the same time as your Pap smear.  In some patients, the absence of any High Risk strains could lengthen the interval of their Pap smear to every 3 years.

For more information on this topic, and a description of how this test is performed, please click here.