Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
A Pap smear, also known as a Papanicolaou test, is a medical screening procedure for cervical cancer in women. It involves collecting cells from the woman’s cervix — the lower, narrow end of the uterus — to check for any cell abnormalities that could possibly evolve into cancerous cells. The test is generally recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65.
Living a healthy life goes hand in hand with proactivity in proactive disease prevention and early detection—this is particularly true when it comes to gynecological well-being. Today, we delve into one of the key life-saving screenings: the Pap Smear test. We’ll uncover the mystery behind it, its integral role, and why every woman should make the test a routine practice.
A Pap Smear, also known as a Pap test, forms part of the cervical screening process used primarily by gynecologists to spot cervical cancer in the early stages. It involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus located at the top of your vagina.
A careful examination of the sample collected reveals any cell changes that might lead to cervical cancer in the future. The early detection allows for timely intervention, which is crucial in preventing the progression of cervical cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women globally. Regular Pap smear tests are an effective way of catching the disease early when treatment is most likely to be successful.
Therefore, regular undertaking of a Pap Smear test comes highly recommended, given its proven link with the early detection of cervical cancer. It’s not just about testing; it’s about safeguarding your health and future.
The Pap Smear test is usually conducted at a doctor’s office and doesn’t take much time. It forms part of the routine gynecological examination, which also includes a pelvic exam.
The process is simple. A plastic or metal instrument (speculum) is gently inserted into your vagina to hold apart the vaginal walls, allowing your doctor easy access to your cervix. Then, the doctor uses a soft brush or a flat scraping device (spatula) to gently collect cells from the cervix. These cells are then sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
The results of a Pap test can be classified broadly into two: Negative (Normal) and Positive (Abnormal). A negative result indicates that no abnormal cells were detected, which is great news. However, keep in mind that even if you get a negative result, you should continue getting regular Pap smears.
A positive result, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Rather, it indicates the presence of abnormal cells that could be precancerous. Upon an abnormal result, your doctor will likely recommend further tests to examine these cells more closely and determine the appropriate course of action needed.
The Pap smear test plays a pivotal role in early cervical cancer detection, making it invaluable in women’s preventative health practice. It’s a quick procedure and a small discomfort for a dramatically increased chance of beating one of the most common cancers affecting women. Creating awareness and having an open conversation about Pap Smear tests is a decisive step in this direction.
While the test might cause mild discomfort for some women, it’s generally not painful. It’s, however, common to feel a bit uncomfortable during the test, especially if it’s your first time.
A Pap Smear and a pelvic exam are two different things. A pelvic exam is a visual and physical examination of the female pelvic organs, while a Pap smear is a test conducted during the pelvic examination for the early detection of cervical cancer.
Recommendations vary, but it’s commonly suggested that women start getting Pap smears at age 21 and continue getting them every three years. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance as it can differ based on individual health and risks.
There are very few risks associated with a Pap smear. One of them is getting a false-negative result, where the test fails to detect abnormal cells. Regular testing can minimize this risk.
If your result is abnormal, don’t panic. Remember, an abnormal result doesn’t mean you have cancer. Your doctor will guide you on the next steps, which may involve a repeat Pap test, a more thorough examination, or a procedure to remove abnormal cells.
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