Regular pap smear screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer. Here are 5 things you need to know before you go for your next pap smear.
<div class="ExternalClassB24975F04C704FEFA1B70B74FECB6ED4"><h2>1. Do Not Go If You Are On Your Period</h2><p>You cannot be tested during your period as blood cells that are shed during your period may affect the accuracy of your pap smear result. Make an appointment 14 days after the start of your period.</p><p>
<strong>Related: <a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/16/screening_heart_disease" title="Screening for Heart Disease">Screening for Heart Disease</a></strong></p><h2>2. Be Comfortable and Speak Up If You Feel Pain</h2><p>You may feel some discomfort or pain during the pap smear process. It helps if you try to relax when the speculum is inserted. If you feel pain during the process, inform your doctor or nurse immediately.</p><p>
<strong>Related: <a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/403/abcs_of_health_screening" title="ABCs of Health Screening">ABCs of Health Screening</a></strong></p><h2>3. Do Go Even If You Have Been Vaccinated</h2><p>Yes, you should go for a Pap smear every three years even if you have been vaccinated.</p><p>About 30% cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Viru) sub-types which the vaccine does not protect against. In other words, the vaccines do not protect against all cancer-causing HPV sub-types.</p><p>Going for regular Pap smears is still your best protection against cervical cancer.</p><p>
<strong>Related: <a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1633/all-you-need-to-know-about-vaccinations" title="All About Vaccinations">All You Need to Know About Vaccinations</a></strong></p><h2>4. The Risk of Cervical Cancer Increases with Age</h2><p>Women who have had sexual intercourse and have never had a Pap smear should go for screening despite their age. However, a menopausal woman who goes for regular screening may be discharged at 69 years of age if her smear taken at this point in time is negative and the previous smear within the last 3 years was negative. Please consult your doctor if you are unsure.</p><p>
<strong>Related: <a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/446/sexualityandageing" title="Sexuality and Ageing">Sexuality and Ageing</a></strong></p><h2>5. Make It a Habit</h2><p>Even if you feel healthy, a pap smear can detect changes in the cervix even before abnormal cervical cells become cancerous. You are encouraged to make it a habit to go for a pap smear once every 3 years, even if you do not experience any symptoms or pain.</p><p>
<em>Visit our <a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/703/faqs-on-screening-for-cervical-cancer-pap-smear" title="FAQs on Pap Smear Screening">FAQs on Pap Smear Screening</a> for more information.</em></p><hr /><p>
<strong>Read these next:</strong></p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/701/faqs-on-hpv-and-hpv-immunisation" title="HPV Immunisation">FAQs on HPV and HPV Immunisation</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/312/HPV_immunisation_FAQ" title="What Every Woman Needs to Know About HPV Immunisation">What Every Woman Needs to Know About HPV Immunisation</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/402/faqs_on_health_screening" title="FAQs on Health Screening">FAQs on Health Screening</a></li></ul></div>
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Monday, April 9, 2018
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HPB implements programmes that reach out to the population, specifically children, adults and the elderly. These programmes include health and dental services for school children, BreastScreen Singapore, AIDS Education Programme, CervicalScreen Singapore, Childhood Injury Prevention Programme, Mental Health Education Programme, National Myopia Prevention Programme, Physical Activity, National Smoking Control Programme, Nutrition Programme, Osteoporosis Education Programme, Workplace Health Promotion Programme, HPB Online, HealthLine, Health Information Centre and HealthZone. New programmes will also be initiated over time to address health concerns among the community.</div>
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5 Things You Need to Know Before Your Next Pap Smear
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ICD-2-Neoplasms, PGM_Cervical Screening, PGM_Healthy Screening, PGM_Workplace Health, GENDER_Female, AGE_Adult, INTEREST_Sexual Health ＆ Relationships