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What is a Cervical Smear

(Pap Smear)?

A cervical smear test, also known as a Pap smear or Pap test, is a simple procedure used to check for abnormal cells in the cervix (the lower part of the womb). It is not a test for cancer, but it can help prevent cervical cancer by detecting changes early, before they become serious.

How do I know if I have cervical cancer?

In early stages, cervical cancer may have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

What causes
cervical cancer?

Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV.

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cervical cancer. Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives, but in most cases, it clears up on its own.

A model of the
papillomavirus capsid

Unusual vaginal
bleeding (after sex, between periods,after menopause)

Vaginal discharge
with a strong odor or
unusual color

Pain during sex

Pelvic pain

This is why regular cervical smears are so important

they can detect early changes and allow treatment before the cells turn into cancer.