An abnormal Pap smear result doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Your doctor may recommend further testing as a next step.

A pap smear (or pap test) is a screening for cervical cancer. It involves taking cells from the cervix and vagina and examining them under a microscope. The test is looking for cervical ...

Although you can get a Pap smear during your menstrual period, some doctors may prefer you do not. A heavy flow may alter your exam results. If in doubt, it’s better to ask your OB-GYN, but try not to ...

A Pap smear is a screening tool that healthcare professionals use detect abnormal cells and cancer. During the Pap smear, a healthcare professional takes a cell sample from the cervix. Cervical cancer ...

An abnormal Pap smear means some percentage of your cervix cells appear abnormal in shape or size. In most cases, an abnormal Pap smear does not indicate cancer and is in fact caused by HPV. If you ...

A Pap smear (Pap test) is a routine part of your healthcare screening. They are often performed during your first prenatal visit. Research and professional organizations confirm that it is safe and an ...

Editor's note: anyone with a cervix can get a Pap smear, but for this article, we included sources who generally referred to these people as women. Going to the doctor for any type of exam can feel ...

A Pap smear or Pap test involves a doctor taking a small sample of cells from a person’s cervix using a brush or spatula-like instrument to look for changes in the cervix’s cells. Share on Pinterest ...

Routine cancer screenings can save lives. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers thanks to Pap smears, which can detect abnormal cells before they even develop into cancer. Still, many ...

More than 13,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer this year A routine pap exam can help women lower their risk of developing cervical cancer It's important to ...

Amanda Gardner is a health reporter whose stories have appeared in cnn.com, health.com, cnn.com, WebMD, HealthDay, Self Magazine, the New York Daily News, Teachers & Writers Magazine, the Foreign ...