Cervical cancer screening: HPV and PAP test.

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

The cancer of cervix or cervical cancer is one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality among women globally, even after having a type of cancer which has the greatest potential for secondary prevention. 

Cervical cancer can be prevented by having regular cervical cancer screening tests along with Pap tests and the HPV vaccine.

What is a screening test:

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A screening test is basically done to find people who are at a higher risk of a disease and to detect potential diseases in people who might not show any symptoms of a disease. This type of health test is usually done for  early detection of a disease so as to reduce the risk of disease, and to provide an early or most effective treatment.

cervical cancer screening test:

Screening is used to detect signs of early cancers before any symptoms of cancer actually be seen. Screening tests can significantly help in reducing the cancer related death. 

HPV test:

HPV test is for the testing for human papillomavirus, a group of virus that can cause sexually transmitted infections and cancers. Most of the time it doesn’t cause any problems but sometimes certain strains of the virus can cause cancers and STIs. HPV testing is a part of cervical cancer screening. During the screening the doctor collects a sample of cells from the cervix to test for the HPV. 

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PAP test:

The Pap or Pap smear test is a very common test which involves collecting cells from the cervix to detect the potential risk of cervical cancer. 

It’s important to consult a doctor and talk to them about taking the screening test regularly. Combined with the HPV vaccine these screening tests can help in prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. 

Here are some questions that you can ask your doctor:

• Is it necessary to include an HPV test? Is Pap smear not enough?
• When should I take the HPV vaccine? 
• Personal schedule for specific tests and the screening tests?
• At what age to start the cervical screening?
• What should you do if the screening tests are positive?