Smear is a screening test used in the early diagnosis of uterine and cervical cancers. Smear test is performed to detect malignant (malignant) or premalignant changes of the cervix that have the potential to turn into a malignant disease.
Cervical cancer is a slowly occurring cancer, and these abnormalities can be detected with a smear test long before cancer occurs.
The issues to be taken into consideration before the procedure are; Not taking a smear during the menstrual period and not using douche, gel or cream in the vagina 72 hours before the procedure.
Screening tests are tests performed on normal people who do not have any signs of disease. For this reason, a smear test does not provide a diagnosis and does not indicate that people with cancer findings do not have cancer. A positive, i.e. abnormal, smear test indicates that there is a problem and further diagnostic tests are required.
PAP test is an effective screening test that has been accepted by the scientific community to reduce morbidity and mortality due to squamous cell cancer of the cervix. While cervical cancer ranked first in genital cancer-related deaths in the USA 20-25 years ago, it fell to fourth place as a result of the encouragement of smear test through government policies. Despite all these precautions, many new cases of cervical cancer occur every year. Research shows that half of these women have either never had a cellular examination in their lives or the test has not been repeated in the last 5 years. While most developed countries have health policies regarding cervical screening tests, unfortunately such a strategy has not been developed in our country. In our country, PAP smear screening is largely carried out under the guidance of the gynecologist, and to a lesser extent, upon the request of the patient, depending on the sociocultural level. In our country, the rate of women going for routine check-ups and having a smear test, even if they have no complaints, is unfortunately much lower than it should be. In addition, there is no consensus among physicians regarding both the technique and interpretation of the PAP test.
Despite everything, the smear test still maintains its value above all other measures, including cervical cancer. It is beneficial for every woman who has started her sexual life to have a smear test once a year.