#pap test

Eleanor Roosevelt at the first anniversary celebration of the opening of the Strang Clinic (now the Strang Cancer Prevention Institute), an infirmary for women and children, April 26, 1934. May Strang, niece of Chauncey Depew, who with her sister, Dr. Elise L'Esperance, founded the Strang Clinic in memory of their mother, is shown pouring tea for Mrs. Roosevelt.

The Clinic was devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Dr. L’Esperance collaborated with Drs. May Edward Chinn and George Papanicolaou, whose research led to the early detection of cancer of the cervix. This resulted in the Pap test. In 1940, Strang was the first medical facility to introduce it into clinical practice.

It's a privilege living in a region where cervix screening and pap tests are free for everyone. Where pap tests are mandatory every three years and it very decreased the mortality rate.

Yeah. Didn’t happen. After several weeks of wanting it out the way, I literally had a panic attack as the nurse tried to open my legs and she had to call my mum. My mum came in, we tried again… I literally thought I was going to pass out. Nurse ended up not doing it because I was resisting.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and  can affect women of all ages. However, it is most often diagnosed in women between  35 and years of age.

 Causes of cervical cancer:

 The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with  human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, and some types can cause cervical cancer. Other factors that can increase the risk of  cervical cancer include smoking,  a weakened immune system,  a family history of cervical cancer, and  multiple sexual partners. 

 Symptoms of cervical cancer:

 Cervical cancer does not necessarily cause symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, pain during intercourse, and unusual vaginal discharge. It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other diseases, so it is important to consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. 

 Prevention and early detection of cervical cancer:

 The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is  the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as against other types of HPV that can cause other types of cancer. The vaccine is recommended for  males and females between  9 and 26 years of age.

 Regular cervical cancer screening is also important for early detection. A Pap test is a test that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix. It is recommended that women start regular Pap tests from the age of 21. In addition, the new  HPV test can also detect the presence of the virus that causes cervical cancer. Women should discuss with their healthcare provider which exams are right for them. 

 Treatment of cervical cancer:

 Treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors such as the woman's age and general health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

  In summary, cervical cancer is a common female cancer  that can be prevented by vaccination and detected early by regular screening. Women should consult with their health care provider to determine  appropriate screening and vaccination. If cervical cancer is diagnosed, early treatment can lead to a better outcome.

I get an abnormal Pap, I come back into the doctor’s office and get the issue solved. Thankfully almost all abnormal Paps are treatable.

Best case scenario:

this is a discussion for you and your gyno.  you definitely don’t need one if you’ve had complete and total removal of all organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus including cervix, vagina, inner labia).  Your doc might want you to keep seeing them based on your personal risk profile even after you’ve had a full hysterectomy after you’ve had ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus with cervix removed, as long as you still have a vagina. this will be a discussion to have with your doctor.  

you Definitely need to keep seeing them if you have had anything less than that: including a partial hysterectomy with one or both ovaries or one or both fallopian tubes and your uterus removed but your cervix remains behind.  Pap tests are what’s done on a regular basis on your cervix to detect pre-cancer cells  (it’s the type of cancer that the Gardasil vaccine helps to prevent).  When detected early, they can remove the cells completely and you don’t have to have any other treatment (besides monitoring)- no chemo, no radiation, nothing.   If it’s not detected until there are symptoms- by that time, there is active cancer that’s spread and it’s a much less pleasant outcome.  BUT- you should know that many primary care providers (the person you see when you have a sniffle or a rash) also can do a pap test, if that’s all you’re needing done.  if you like your primary care provider and you’re wanting to one-stop-shop it doesn’t hurt to ask. 

I know its not easy to talk about, I know we all don’t like to think about it but..

THIS IS A REMINDER TO BOOK YOUR PAP TEST/ SMEAR TEST/ CERVICAL SCREENING FOR CANCER IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE SO ALREADY

Did you know?

1. Cervical cancer has little to no early warning signs! and the warning signs that are there are often mistaken for other things.

2. Even if youve had the HPV vaccine there is a chance yo could still get cervical cancer? Nearly every woman will come into contact with HPV in her lifetime if she is sexually active! Don’t use the ‘I got the vaccine’ as an excuse!

3. Here in the UK it’s free to anyone over the age of 25! (hoping to push it down to 20) So if you've got that letter through the post saying your due your first one do it! In other countries (such as america) your pap test is likely covered already! In Australia you can even get one at 18 (I believe)

4. Now days with scientific advancements in the field you only have to get checked every 5 years! no longer every year. You can also get one done whilst pregnant so theres no excuse! 

As someone whos just had hers done here’s my experience.

Here in the UK you can have either a doctor or a Nurse practitioner.. Remember these people see vaginas multiple times a week, so try not to be to scared! 

It only took 5 minutes, I undressed from the waist down and got comfortable on the bed. Being the slightly awkward person I am I made a few jokes and we had a little laugh. The nurse inserted a plastic tool called a speculum (bless not having to have the cold metal ones anymore!) She told me to tell her if it was to uncomfortable and she showed me the little brush she would be using to collect the cells! 

The actual experience was a little uncomfortable but didn't hurt. I took a few deep breaths and it was over! I was told I could expect some spotting and that was it! I can tell you know the worst part is going to be waiting for the results because I get very anxious about my health.