What is a Pap Smear?
A pap smear is a quick and simple test used to check for changes to cells in your cervix (the neck of the womb) which may lead to cervical cancer. It takes only a few minutes to collect a sample of cells which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Your family Doctor, Practice Nurse or Aboriginal Health Worker (only those specially trained to take pap smears) can do the test. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an examinaton table with a sheet to cover you. The Doctor or Nurse will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This allows the cervix to be clearly seen. A small spatula (like a popstick) or a cytobrush (soft nylon brush) is used to take a small sample of cells from the cervix. The cells are smeared onto a glass slide and sent to the laboratory where they are examined under a microscope. The results of your examination will be sent to your doctor or nurse within 1 to 2 weeks.
Here are some things you can do to make it easier;
Before your appointment discuss your specific cultural needs with your GP or ask for an interpreter if you need one.
You can ask for a female health practitioner to perform the pap smear test if this makes you feel more comfortable.
You can bring a friend to your appointment.
This photo is from the recent Everywomen Expo in Perth and on the left is Helen O'Sullivan, Health Promotion Officer, and on the right is Maria Bonar, Manager of Health Promotion for the WA Department of Health.
Help Prevent Cervical Cancer
All women are encouraged to have regular pap smears to help reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. In Australia regular pap smears save more than 1,200 women each year from cervical cancer. Up to 90% of the most common types of cervical cancer can be prevented by having a regular pap smear. The WA Department of Health web site address is: www.health.gov.au/cervical
HPV Register and Vaccination
Use this link to access the HPV Vaccination and Immunisation Information page.
The above information is courtesy of the WA Department of Health who run health awareness programs throughout the state.
Contact Denise Puddick by email denisep@gpdownsouth.com.au or telephone 08 9581 3352
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