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The biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is not having a Pap smear every 2 years.
Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable cancers. The Pap smear is a reliable test which can detect early changes in the cervix (neck of the womb), before they have a chance to develop into cancer.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a reliable test which collects a number of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb) and places them on a glass slide. The slide is sent to a laboratory to check for any changes and results are usually available in a week or two.
No drugs or anaesthetics are used and a Pap smear only takes a few minutes. Your Pap smear provider can be a General Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker. Pap smear providers receive special training.
The Pap smear is designed to find early changes in cervical cells which can be treated to prevent cancer developing. These early changes are not cancer, but if not checked or treated, they may develop into cancer. Research has shown the majority of women (three out of four) who develop cervical cancer have not had a regular Pap smear every two years.
What causes cancer of the cervix?
Research shows the human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for cancer developing in the cervix. While HPV is very common, cervical cancer is not common. Most women with HPV will not develop cervical cancer.
How effective is a Pap smear?
Up to 90% of the most common form of cancer of the cervix could be prevented if women had Pap smears every two years.
Who should have a Pap smear?
If you are over 18 and have ever had sex, you should have regular Pap smears, even if you no longer have sex. This includes male to female, and female to female sex.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
At age 70 your Health Care Professional may advise that it’s safe to stop having Pap smears if you have had two normal Pap smears within the last five years.
Why do some women have Pap smears more often than every two years?
Even if it is less than two years since their last Pap smear some women may be advised by their Pap smear provider that they need another Pap smear. This includes:
When am I due for my next Pap smear?
If you can't remember when you had your last Pap smear and would like to know when you are due for your next one, you can phone the Queensland Health Pap Smear Register on 1800 777 790.
Where can I get more information about Pap smears?
Further information about Pap smears can be found in the brochure - Early detection is the best protection.
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