Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

A Pap smear is a simple test for women. It looks for changes that could lead to cancer. The test examines cells from the cervix (the opening of the uterus). An abnormal Pap smear result may be due to a slight irritation or infection of the cervix, cervical dysplasia (pre-cancerous changes of the cervix) or cancer of the cervix.

Dysplasia and early cervical cancer seldom cause symptoms. The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. A Pap smear can detect early pre-cancerous changes before symptoms occur. Death from cervical cancer is usually preventable. Regular Pap smears must be performed by a health care provider during pelvic exams. This is a quick and usually painless procedure. Women should start getting Pap smears when they are 18 years old. If they are sexually active, tests should begin sooner.

Follow-up on an abnormal Pap smear may include:

• Repeating the test in 4 to 6 months.
• Medication.
• Further tests, such as a colposcopy (looking at the cervix with a microscope).
• Biopsy
• Treatment, such as laser or surgical removal of the abnormal cells.

Pap smears are recommended once a year until a woman has three or more consecutive, normal test results. Her physician may then recommend a Pap less often, about every three years, unless she is at higher risk. Smoking doubles the risk for cancer of the cervix. Sexually transmitted disease are linked to the development of cervical cancer. Eat a healthy diet to promote healing of the cervix.

Women 40 years and older may qualify for a free Pap smear and pelvic exam. Call the Genesee County Health  Department Breast and Cervical Control Program (BCCCP), phone (810) 237-4545 for more information.