Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of death for women in the United States. But, in the past 40 years, regular Pap smear screenings have changed that. Also known as a Pap test, this simple screening looks for cervical changes, such as infections and abnormal cells, which can cause cancer.
At NewMed Immediate Care in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Ruchir Thakkar, DO, offers Pap smears to detect cervical issues before they become life-threatening. For most women, we recommend having regular Pap smears from ages 21-65. However, we may adjust these guidelines based on your personal risks and health history.
During your Pap smear, you lie on an exam table with your knees bent and feet resting on stirrups for support. Dr. Thakkar uses a small speculum device to gently open your cervix. Then, he swabs the area to collect a sample of cells for analysis. This process is relatively quick and painless, but some women may experience mild discomfort during a Pap smear. At NewMed Immediate Care, we take extra care to keep you comfortable so your experience is as positive as possible.
After collecting your sample, we send your cells to a lab for analysis. The lab looks for signs of abnormal growth or infection that could turn into cervical cancer. This type of cancer develops when cervical cells begin changing and multiplying out of control.
Cervical cancer is most common in women from ages 35-44, but 20% of cases occur in women over age 65. When it develops in women over age 65, however, it’s rarely seen in those who followed recommended Pap smear screening guidelines.
There are two kinds of cervical cancer, and you can have both simultaneously.
This is the most common form, beginning in the cells lining your cervix's outer portion.
This type develops in the glandular cells lining your cervical canal.
Most cervical cancer cases are caused by various strains of a common sexually transmitted disease known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).
In addition to HPV, your risk of developing cervical cancer can also increase if you start having sexual intercourse at an early age, have numerous sexual partners, or contract other sexually transmitted diseases. Higher rates of cervical cancer are also associated with smoking and having a weak immune system.
You will usually have no signs or symptoms of cervical cancer in the early stages, which is why Pap smears save lives. Studies show that if detected early, women with cervical cancer have a 92% cure rate. When detected after symptoms develop, these numbers drop to 67%. And, of the women who died from cervical cancer, most did not have Pap smears as recommended.
Not only can we detect cervical changes with a simple Pap smear, but we can also monitor and treat any changes before the situation becomes serious.
Don’t wait to schedule your Pap smear. Call or contact us online today.
