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The Importance of Regular Pap Smears in Cervical Cancer Prevention
Worldwide, women suffer from cervical cancer, a disease that can be treated. Luckily, regular Pap smears can be very helpful for prevention and detection at an early stage. In India Cervical Cancer is the 2nd most common gynecaological cancer found. Dr. Kunaal Shinde is one of the experienced gyneac oncologist in Pune and every year Dr. Kunaal Shinde treated cervical cancer patients at the stage 3 and stage 4. In His experience if cervical cancer found at the earl stage then it will easily cure with medication and therapy. Hence In this Blog Dr. Kunaal Shinde explain the importance of the early cancer detection of cervical cancer and the role of Pap Smear test in cervical cancer detection. Let’s See the how cervical cancer detected and Pap Smear Test.
What is Pap Smear Test?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and examined for abnormal growth.
How often should I get a Pap smear?
Dr. Kunnal Shinde recommended Your age and unique risk factors determine the appropriate Pap smear schedule. In general:
- Ages 21-29: It’s recommended that women in this age group get their first Pap test at age 21. This should be followed by a Pap test every three years. Even people who are sexually active do not need a Pap test before age 21.
- Ages 30-65: Women in this age group should get screened for cervical cancer using one of the following methods:
- HPV test every 5 years
- HPV/Pap co-test every 5 years
- Pap test every 3 years
- Ages 65 and older: If you’re in this age group, talk with Dr. Kunaal Shinde to see if screening is still needed. If you’ve been screened regularly and had normal results, you will likely be advised that you don’t need screening. If your recent test results were abnormal or you haven’t been screened regularly, you may need to continue screening.
What are the benefits of getting regular Pap smears?
Dr. Kunaal Shinde suggests there are many benefits to getting regular Pap smears. These include:
- Earlier detection of precancerous cells: Pap smears can detect precancerous cells early when they are most treatable.
- Reduced risk of cervical cancer: You can lower your risk of cervical cancer by up to 70% by getting regular Pap smears.
- Peace of mind: Being aware of the fact you are present with your
Are there any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer that I should watch for?
There are typically no noticeable signs of early cervical cancer. Possible signs of cervical cancer can include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. However, other conditions may cause these same symptoms. Consult with Dr. Shinde if any of the following problems occur:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
What should I do if my Pap smear is abnormal?
However, if your Pap smear is abnormal, it does not always signify that you have cancer. It simply indicates that to rule out cancer, Dr. Kunnal Shinde needs to perform some further tests. These tests could take the form of a biopsy, which collects a small amount of tissue from the cervical cavity for analysis, or a colposcopy, which checks the cervix with a magnifying glass.
Please contact Dr. Kunnal Shinde with any queries you may have regarding Pap smears or cervical cancer. One important method for preventing cervical cancer is Pap smears. By getting common Pap smears, you may take control of your health and lower your risk of acquiring this terrible disease. Dr. Shinde’s expertise underscores the need for proactive measures, early detection, and education to break the quiet surrounding gynecological cancers.