Cervical Cancer Screening
Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine
What is cervical cancer screening? Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb), which opens into the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer screening is an important part of routine health care for people who have a cervix. Cervical cancer screening tests look for cancer before you have any symptoms. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Before cervical cells become cancer, they start to look abnormal. These cells are called "precancers". If they aren't destroyed or removed, they may become cancer cells that grow out of control and spread to other parts of your body. Screening can help find abnormal cells so you can get treatment to prevent cervical cancer. These tests can also help to find cervical cancer early when it's usually easier to treat. What tests screen for cervical cancer? Cervical cancer screening is usually part of a woman's health checkup during a pelvic exam. These tests use a sample of cervical cells that your health care provider collects with a swab: A Pap test (also called a Pap smear or cervical cytology) checks for abnormal cells so they can be treated before they become cancer. An HPV (human papillomavirus) test checks for certain HPV infections that can cause cancer. HPV is a group of viruses that spread through sexual contact. The types that cause cancer are called "high-risk HPV." The HPV/Pap cotest uses an HPV and Pap test together to check for both high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. If your screening tests are abnormal, your provider may do more tests, such as a biopsy . How often you should be screened for cervical cancer and which tests you should get will depend on your age and health history. What are the possible benefits and harms of cervical cancer screening? Cervical cancer screening saves lives. Screening can detect cervical changes early, lowering your chance of dying from cervical cancer. But, cer