Cervical cancer

January has been denoted Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of regular screenings and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV)

WHAT IS A PAP SMEAR

A pap smear or pap test screening helps detect any signs of precancerous or cancerous cells.

• Women who are or have been sexually active must do the test every 3 years.

• Regular screening should continue until 70 or when advised by a doctor

• Screening can stop at 70 if a woman has had 3 or more normal tests in the previous 10 years.