Cervical cancer is one of the major causes of the high women’s mortality rate in the US. This cancer of the cervix can spread to other body organs like the liver and kidneys. So, in the last stages, it becomes difficult to control, resulting in the patients’ death. Nonetheless, experts conclude early detection is the only possible way to treat this cancer. So, getting screened for this cancer could help in the early detection of the illness for effective treatment. Therefore, the healthcare experts urge to focus on more and more Pap smear testing for females above 21.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Undeniably, HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer among females. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease that affects sexually active women. Patients with this STD usually do not get any symptoms, so screening is imperative. It is also true that HPV can cause abnormal growth of cervix cells. These cells can turn into cancerous cells, resulting in grave health complications. That’s why screening for the cervix is useful in detecting cancer for a timely and right diagnosis.
Which is the Latest Cervix Cancer Screening?
Undoubtedly a Pap test is the modernized way to detect the abnormal cells lying in the cervix. This test works by sampling the cervix cells using a predetermined testing protocol. For this testing, you must visit your nearby urgent care center to consult the ob-gyn. The doctor will provide you with some useful instructions to be prepared for the test. So, on the test day, you can visit the center again to undergo the screening. This screening can thoroughly examine the health of your cervix and detect if there are traces of precancerous and cancerous cells.
How is a Pap test performed?
As per experts, you must start regular screening for cervical cancer with Pap smear testing. The ideal age for this test is 21, and you should get it until your turn 65. It is a simple procedure that does not involve any blood extraction. It works only by collecting the cervix cells with a soft brush. So, when you reach the clinic, the ob-gyn will perform the test. The cervix cells could be visible only when you lie down with widespread legs. Therefore, the cells will be withdrawn using the equipment and stored in a sealed bag. The cells will be sent to the clinical lab for further screening, which can take some time.
What do test Results mean?
A Pap test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to be accomplished. But it may take 7 to 21 days to get the test report. It depicts a thorough screening of the collected samples to provide reliable results. So, the chances of false-positive and negative results are meager. Nonetheless, you can find a negative test report if your cervix is healthy. But a positive report could alarm you of abnormal growth of cervix cells. Though, you must not panic if the report is abnormal. It could also be due to a change in the cervix cells that might not be cancerous. The best way is to consult your doctor for the right treatment advice. It prevents you from making false assumptions about your cervix.
Is Cervical Cancer Curable?
This is an important query concerning cervical cancer. There is good news that it is curable but subject to early detection. So, a regular Pap test screening could prove a savior for you. You must get it done as per your doctor’s recommendations.
To Sum Up
Pap smear testing is available at the urgent care clinic in your vicinity. So, you can get this test done without any delay. You can consult with a gynecologist and can give samples of cervix cells. This test is not costly, so you would not have to spend your fortune on it. It gives you early detection for cancer and lets you treat it before becoming dangerous to your life.