Importance of a Yearly Pap Smear

A pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, the opening of the uterus. Regular preventive care is one of the most important ways to maintain your health over time. Women should have a pap smear every two years starting at age 21. After age 30, you may decrease the frequency to every three years When abnormal cells are detected by pap smear, your doctor will take steps to figure out the culprit behind these changes & treat the condition before it turns into cancer. Although pap smears can seem like an uncomfortable nuisance, they are critical to keeping women of all ages healthy. Talk to your doctor to determine how often you should have a pap smear.