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Yes. If you are between the ages of 18 - 70 years and have ever had sexual intercourse you should have a Pap smear every two years. If women have a regular Pap smear 90% of cervical cancers could be prevented. A Pap smear is a test that can detect any changes in your cervix and you can be monitored by your doctor to help to prevent cervical cancer.
After the age of 70 years discuss with your doctor whether you should continue to have a regular Pap smear.
More information:
Have A Pap Smear Every 2 Years
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Why is it important to have a Pap smear?
Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable of all cancers. A Pap smear can find early warning signs long before cancer of the cervix develops. Sometimes the tiny cells of the cervix start to change from normal to abnormal. This can happen without you knowing. These abnormal cells can be monitored and treated before they become cancerous.
More information:
Early Detection is the Best Protection
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A Pap smear is a quick and simple test to check the health of the
cervix. A number of cells are collected from the cervix and sent to
a laboratory where they are tested for changes. While over 90% of
Pap smears are normal, a Pap smear can find early changes that can
be monitored to prevent cervical cancer.
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A Pap smear is performed in consulting rooms by your doctor or health worker. Respect is given for your privacy. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination couch. You will be given a sheet to cover you. To examine your cervix, your doctor gently places an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This instrument helps to open the vagina and allow the doctor to clearly see the cervix (neck of the womb). With a small brush or wooden spatula your doctor will gently wipe the cervix for microscopic cells that are then sent away to a laboratory to be tested.
The results from your Pap smear will be sent to your doctor in about 1-2 weeks and he/she will discuss the results with you.
How much does a Pap smear cost?
When you make an appointment for a Pap smear, ask your health service provider if there is any direct cost to you.
Two fees are involved – the doctor’s consultation fee and the Pap
smear test. Some doctors, clinics and health centres ‘bulk bill’
with no out of pocket expenses for women. In some cases you may
expect to pay a gap fee or the full cost for the consultation and
pathology fee and then claim the rebate from Medicare.
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Where do I go for a Pap smear?
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Your doctor
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Some women’s health centres
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Some community health centres
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Aboriginal health services
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The Migrant Health Service
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ShineSA clinics
More
information:
‘Where to go for a Pap smear’
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If every woman had a Pap smear every 2 years, 90% of cervical
cancers could be prevented. The Pap smear, while not perfect, is the
best test available to detect early changes that can then be
monitored to prevent cervical cancer.
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The results from your Pap smear will be sent to your doctor in about
1-2 weeks. Ask your doctor how you can find out about your results.
Your doctor will advise of the results, any treatment required and
when you should have your next Pap smear.
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What if the results are not normal?
Over 90% of Pap smears are normal. Most changes in the cells of the cervix are due to an infection called HPV - human papillomavirus.
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HPV infection usually clears up naturally in one to two years without any need for treatment.
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In a small number of women the infection will persist and require further treatment.
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You may need extra Pap smears for a while.
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You may need to see a specialist.
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You need to talk with your doctor about your test result. Make an appointment to find out more. Your doctor will discuss with you what your test result means and what needs to happen next.
More information
Booklet ‘An Abnormal Pap Smear Result. What this means for you'
Fact Sheet : 'Changes to the care of women with abnormal Pap smear
results'
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HPV stands for human papillomavirus. This virus is common. Most people will have HPV at some time and never know it. There are over 100 types of HPV and only some affect the genital area.
Some types of HPV in the genital area cause visible warts, but most HPV infection is invisible. Cell changes found on the cervix by having a Pap smear are nearly always caused by HPV, and usually return to normal when the body’s immune system clears the virus in one to two years.
In a small number of women, HPV stays in the cells of the cervix. If the infection is not cleared, then there is an increased risk of cervical cancer. When cervical cancer develops, HPV is found in almost all cases.
More information:
The Link between cervical cancer and HPV (human papillomavirus)
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What if I've had a hysterectomy (womb taken out)?
You may still need Pap smears. It depends on why you had the hysterectomy. You need to talk to your doctor.
What if I'm past the change of life (menopause)?
Even if you no longer have periods, or you haven’t had sex for years, you still need to have Pap smears. At age 70, consult with your doctor about whether you need to continue to have regular Pap smears.
What if I have unusual symptoms?
If you have symptoms such as pelvic pain, unusual bleeding or
discharge, see your doctor as soon as possible - even if your last
Pap smear was normal.
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Yes, lesbians need Pap smears too. Even though some lesbians may have a ‘low risk’ of developing cervical cancer, it is not possible to be sure that any woman has ‘no risk’.
More information:
Do
Lesbians Need Pap Smears?
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What about women with disabilities?
All women who have ever had sex should have a Pap smear every 2 years. If you have a disability you may have special needs to assist in having a Pap smear. If you have a physical disability, there are places with adjustable beds which might assist you.
More information: Women with disabilities need Pap smears too!
How can women from other cultural and linguistic backgrounds get information on Pap smears?
There are information pamphlets available in many languages. See Resources or contact the SA Cervix Screening Program on 8226-8131 for free copies.
Information is also available from the National Cervical Screening Program site.
How can indigenous women get information on Pap smears?
There are information pamphlets specifically designed for indigenous women.
Please contact: ATSI Well Women’s Screening Program,
Sharon Clarke, Senior Project Officer
Telephone:(08) 8226-8186
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Will I be reminded about Pap smears?
Some doctors' clinics have their own reminder systems. Ask your doctor about the clinic’s reminder service.
The SA Cervix Screening Program provides a back-up system to remind women when they are overdue for a Pap smear. (Pap smear reminder) The system keeps a record of all Pap smears and biopsies from all laboratories in South Australia. The information is strictly confidential and protected by law.
When a woman has a Pap smear taken, a copy of the result is sent to the SA Cervix Screening Program’s Back-up Record System. When a woman’s Pap smear or follow up treatment is overdue, the Back-up Record System sends a reminder letter to the woman and her doctor.
When you receive a reminder letter and your details (for example your name or address) have changed, please let us know of the changes. Phone us on 8226-8181.
If you don’t want your information recorded on the Back-up Record System, tell your doctor at the time the Pap smear is taken. You can also have your details removed at any time by writing to the Data Manager, SA Cervix Screening Program. If you choose not to have your results recorded, you will not receive reminder letters from the Back-up Record System.
