Pap Smear Test – Frequently Asked Questions

Does every woman need to have a Pap smear?

If you have ever had sexual intercourse you should have regular Pap smears even if you are not currently sexually active. It is recommended that women should have Pap smears every 2 years until the age of 70. The first Pap smear should be performed within 2 years of becoming sexually active or at age 20. You should continue to have your Pap smears after menopause has occurred and in some cases after hysterectomy if your doctor advises.

How is a Pap smear performed?

When a Pap smear is performed, an instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina. It is used to hold the walls of the vagina apart to allow the cervix (neck of the womb) to be clearly seen. A small spatula or brush is then inserted to collect cells from the cervix. These cells are then transferred to a glass slide and sent to a laboratory for testing. Your results should be available within a week.

What are the risk factors for developing cervical cancer?

Risk factors for developing cervical cancer include the presence of some types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) on the cervix and smoking. HPV is quite a common viral infection that can cause skin warts and can affect the genital tract in both men and women. There are many types of HPV and most of them are not cancer producing.

What happens if my Pap smear result has a high-grade abnormality?

If the Pap smear reveals a high-grade abnormality, then it may be helpful to have a test that can detect the presence of HPV types that have been linked with cervical pre-cancer and cancer. The great majority of women with these types do not ever actually develop cancer, but a few do. Collecting the cells is similar to having a Pap smear. Negative results in both the Pap smear and HPV tests mean a significant abnormality is unlikely. This can be reassuring, especially if you have previously had a number of abnormal, inconclusive or unsatisfactory smears.

I’ve been told a vaccine is now available. Please tell me about it?

A series of three vaccines over six months has recently become available which has the potential to reduce the chance of cervical cancer by 70 percent. It is recommended for women aged 9 to 26 and preferably before a woman or girl becomes sexually active. It is designed to prevent infection from HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer. Pap smears are still required every 2 years as GARDASIL does NOT protect 100 percent against cervical cancer.

The government has approved a free National Immunisation Program for GARDASIL commencing in April 2007.