What if Something’s Amiss?

Some women may not want to be checked for cervical cancer because they’re worried that they might find something wrong. Please remember that the pap test has been more successful than any other screening test in preventing cancer.

But pap tests are not perfect. One of their limitations is that the cells are examined by people, so it’s not always possible to make an accurate analysis of the hundreds of thousands of cells in each sample.

Engineers, scientists and doctors are working together to improve this test. Because some abnormalities may be missed, it is not a good idea to have this test less often than the cancer society guidelines recommend.

If abnormal cells are found, you will need to have other tests to find out whether a precancerous change or cancer is present.

There is good news! When found early, cervical cancer can often be 100 percent cured! If the cancer is a little more advanced but hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere, the survival rate is still 92 percent.

Getting tested for this disease is very important! You have a great chance of surviving this disease if it is caught early. Today, there are many choices for treating cervical cancer when it is found early.

This is one thing you can do not only for yourself, but for your family, friends and community who need you.