It is important to prevent cervical cancer.
When it comes to women’s health, it is no exaggeration to say that one of the most important routine tests is the Pap test. However, the test carried out to detect changes in the cells of the cervix is often a source of doubt for many people, who end up spreading misinformation about it. This misinformation is harmful in many ways, especially because it downplays the importance of the test, which is directly responsible for preventing many cases of cervical cancer each year.
Importance of the Pap test
Data from the Human Primary Health Care Observatory, a non-profit association that supports health prevention initiatives illnesspresent an alarming number: approximately 20% of women in Brazilian capitals have never undergone a Pap test.
These data are worrying since it is the main and most effective modality for the early diagnosis of one of the types of cancer that most affects Brazilian women: according to data from the Ministry of Health, in 2019 alone, cervical cancer killed 9,500 people all over the world. Village.
What is the Pap test for?
According to Dr. Camila Gonçalves Mendes, gynecologist and obstetrician, the goal of the Pap test is to identify early lesions that are precursors to cervical cancer. “It is known that today, excluding skin cancer, it is in third place in the ranking of causes of cancer in women in Brazil, behind only breast and colorectal cancers,” she explains.
When it comes to mortality rates, this type of cancer ranks fourth. “To the we diagnose injuries precursors of the cervix, we managed, through early treatment, to prevent them from becoming a tumor, reducing their incidence and mortality”, adds the doctor.
How is the PAP test
To perform a Pap test, an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the patient’s vagina, allowing the specialist to visually inspect the inside of the cervix. Subsequently, a small peeling of the external and internal surface of the organ is carried out, in which the cells are collected and taken for laboratory tests.
At the time of sampling you may experience slight discomfort and slight bleeding, but nothing alarming. In fact, feeling relaxed and at ease with the doctor responsible for the examination significantly reduces any possible discomfort.
When to do the PAP test
According to the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pap test should be performed in-house women – or anyone with a cervix – between the ages of 25 and 64 who has already initiated sexual activity.
Initially, the recommended frequency for carrying out the exam is annual, but, after two consecutive exams at least one year apart which have shown normal results, the preventive test can be carried out every three years.
In the case of HIV-positive or immunosuppressed patients the routine is different: in these cases it is necessary to start screening earlier and carry out tests at shorter intervals.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
