Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer is one of the types of cancer that can be screened for. The main screening test health professionals often use to screen for cervical cancer is the Pap test. Talk to your
doctor about when you should be screened.
In a
Pap test, cells are collected from the surface of the cervix and vagina. The cervix is the low, narrow end of the
uterus. The cells are gently collected using a piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick. Once the cells are collected, they are viewed under a microscope to see if they are abnormal. This test is also known as a Pap smear. For an illustration of what the test looks like, click
here.
If the cells seem unusual, follow-up tests may be needed.
For general information on cervical cancer, click
here and visit the
National Cancer Institute and the
American Cancer Society.
Other cervical cancer screening resources:
En Español:
Information on cervical cancer screening options was adapted from the
National Cancer Institute.