Pap Tests

Getting a Pap Test is not likely the most favorite thing a woman looks forward to but it may be the test that saves her life. A Pap Test is a quick and simple test that involves collecting cells from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) and then looking at these cells through a microscope to make sure they are normal and healthy. The Pap test can detect changes in the cells of the cervix - which some of these changes may lead to cancer. With use of the Pap test, cancer can be found and treated early.

So - Who should have a Pap Test?

All women who are or have been sexually active should have a pap test once a year.

The biggest risk to developing cervical cancer is not having a pap test. If you haven’t already had a pap test it’s time to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. You may choose to get your pap test done by your family doctor or if you live in the Corner Brook area you may choose to get your pap test at the Women’s Wellness Clinic from a female health care provider at the Medical Clinic by calling 639-3900 ext 1.

When making the appointment try to schedule it while you are not on your menstrual cycle. Remember it’s not a painful procedure. It may be somewhat uncomfortable, but having a pap test does not hurt. Be sure to empty your bladder before the test, as this will make the test a little more comfortable. You can try some relaxation techniques during the procedure - such as deep breathing, to try and make yourself feel more comfortable. It is also best to avoid sex 24 hours before the test to ensure the results of the test are accurate.

So if you have already had a pap test or are in the process of arranging an appointment for one, you’ve already made a big step in preventative health. But there are a few other things you can do as well to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Using a condom during sex reduces your chance of picking up sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). The Human Papillomavirus (HPV or genital warts) is a known risk to developing cervical cancer. But because HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, the virus may be still transmitted from partner to partner even with the use of a condom as condoms don’t cover the entire skin around the genitals and anus. However, a condom still remains one of the best contraceptive methods that provide protection against STI’s.

The HPV vaccine is now available in Canada, although in Newfoundland Labrador it is currently only being offered to the grade 6 girls as part of the publicly funded vaccine program. This means the public health nurse is unable to offer this vaccine at this time to those other than the grade 6 girls. If you feel the HPV vaccine would be something you would like to consider having, further discuss it with your family doctor or public health nurse. If you would like to have the vaccination it would be something you could arrange through your family doctor at his time.

Decreasing your number of sexual partners decreases the risk of becoming infected with STI’s and thus reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Delaying the age of first sexual intercourse is a good measure as well because the cervix of a young adolescent is more prone to cell changes during sexual intercourse as opposed to an older woman’s cervix.

Being tobacco free reduces your risk of many types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Tobacco by-products have been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke. Researchers believe that these substances damage the DNA of cells in the cervix and may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.

The Pap Test is the most effective way to prevent cancer of the cervix. Give yourself the best chance to be cervical cancer free and book your Pap Test today.

If you would like some further information on the Pap Test, Human Papillomavirus, and/or the HPV vaccine check out the following websites:

www.hpvinfo.ca
www.cancer.ca
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hpv/hpv-vacsafe-effic.htm

This article was prepared and submitted by Julia Young RN BN