Pap Smear: Get Screened for Cervical Cancer

Papanicolaou test commonly known as Pap smear or Pap test is the best preventive method in women that help diagnose and detect early stage of cervical cancer. Pap test is performed by the gynecologist using a speculum to sample cells from the outer opening of the cervix of the uterus. After collected, the sample is thoroughly examined under a microscope to look for any abnormalities. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. It is important to know that Pap smear only screens for cervical cancers but not for ovarian, uterine, vaginal, or vulvar cancers.

Reasons to Get a Pap Smear Test

Every woman at the age of twenty and older should visit the gynecologist for an annual checkup. Annual gynecology check-ups are consisted of consultation with the doctor, breast and pelvic exam, in some cases STD testing and Pap smear. For women over the age of thirty, it is highly recommended to have HPV (Human papillomavirus) test done together with Pap smear. HPV test will show viruses that could cause cervical cancers. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and is considered one of the most common sexual diseases. Everyone who had sexual intercourse could get the virus. However, there will be men and women infected without even knowing. HPV could have serious consequences if not diagnosed and treated on time and one of the most common is the development of cervical cancer.

Annual Checkups

Annual checkups with the gynecologist could prevent but also detect any abnormalities in the female reproductive system. Part of every gynecology exam is the breast checkup where the doctor can notice any suspicious lumps in the breast area. Since breast cancer is commonly spread today, every woman should have her breasts checked by the doctor at least every three months. Women are also advised to do check-ups at home by themselves by gently touching the area around the breast.

Self-Breast Exam

During the self-exam, if there is a lump of any size found they should immediately see either primary care doctor or gynecologist for a further examination. There are a number of online instructions or brochures teaching and showing how to do the self-breast exam.

Why You Should Visit Your Gynecologist

Our board certified gynecologist Irina Mikheyeva, provides not only annual check-ups and Pap smears but treats our female patients for different conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, viral vaginitis, STD’s, urinary tract infections etc. With a present sonographer, patients are able to have the immediate sonogram done. Dr. Irina Mikheyeva consults and advises patients how to stay healthy and do their best to prevent disease.

Pap smear allows women to get screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most common female diseases besides breast cancer. It is very important for every woman to get screened annually. If cervical cancer is diagnosed on time the treatment might be more successful. Beside the Pap smear on their annual exams, women will have their breast examined. Annual gynecology exams are very important for women’s health where any abnormality could be detected and therefore treated. If detected on time, cervical and breast cancer could be treated more successfully. Get screened annually because it is better to prevent than cure.

Come to Century Medical and Dental Center (Downtown Brooklyn, Gravesend, Flatbush, Fort Greene and Midtown Manhattan) to get your Pap smear test done today.