Regular screening of women between the ages of 21 and 70 years can prevent cervical cancer.
Screening consists of:
Pap Smear Test: A Pap test is a procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton or cervical brush is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) Test: A HPV test is a laboratory test that is used to check DNA or RNA for certain types of HPV infection. Cells are collected from the cervix and DNA or RNA from the cells is checked to find out if there is an infection caused by a type of human papillomavirus that is linked to cervical cancer. This test may be done using the sample of cells removed during a Pap test. This test may also be done if the results of a Pap test show certain abnormal cervical cells.
