Pap Test Was First Available Cancer Screening

By Veerayyagari Annapurna, MD

 

Veerayyagari Annapurna, MD

The first test to be widely used to screen for any type of cancer was the Pap test, which is used to screen for cervical cancer and was developed about 100 years ago. Despite this test being readily available and easy to perform, cancer of the cervix is still the fourth most common cancer in women. The earlier cervical cancer is identified, the easier it is to treat.

 

The Pap test identifies precancerous lesions on the cervix, which is important, because the precancer stage has no symptoms. Once cells/lesions have developed into cancer, symptoms may include:

• Abnormal, sometimes bloody discharge

• Bleeding between periods

• Bleeding after intercourse

If you notice any of these symptoms, get scheduled for a Pap test right away.

 

More than 10,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the US. Those cases are most frequently diagnosed in women between 35 and 44. Rates of cervical cancer in women ages 20-24 declined from 2012-2019, which may reflect the first signs of cancer prevention from the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

 

Many women can stop having Pap tests after age 65 as long as they were getting regular screenings for cervical cancer before that.

 

If you need to schedule an appointment for a Pap test, call your primary care provider or OB-GYN at 620-792-2151.