Yeah, yeah, we all know how important a Pap smear is… but how many of us can say we look forward to them? *Crickets*. Here’s everything about getting a Pap smear explained, so you can stop avoiding them and do the best thing to protect yourself.
What Is A Pap Smear?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a medical procedure used to screen for cervical cancer and detect abnormal cells on the cervix, which is the lower narrow end of the uterus opening into the vagina. During the test, a healthcare provider inserts a speculum into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls apart and then collects cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. These cells are preserved and sent to a laboratory, where they are examined under a microscope to look for cancerous cells or precancerous changes that could develop into cancer if untreated.
Why You MUST Go For A Pap Smear
“Cervical cancer is a serious disease and it can only be detected with a Pap smear,” says Dr Sebolelo Mojaki, gynaecologist and obstetrician. “I know there are hundreds of women who don’t go for regular Pap smears because they’re intimidated by the process, fearful of test results or simply embarrassed by their bodies. I often hear women say how petrified they are when they come for Pap smears, and I can understand this wholeheartedly and know how uncomfortable it is. But it is so incredibly important to have this test done regularly, as it’s the best way to screen for cervical cancer. Early detection saves lives,” says Dr Mojaki.
Dr Themba Hadebe, clinical executive at Bonitas, stresses the importance of women having a Pap smear every three years between the ages of 21 and 29.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women – and is the driver of most cancer-related deaths. The good news: It’s curable if detected and treated in the early stages, which is why going for regular check-ups are so important.
READ MORE: Did You Know That You CAN Get A Pap Smear Done At A GP?
When And How Often Should I Have A Pap Smear?
The South African HPV Advisory Board recommends that women begin having Pap smears when they become sexually active or turn 21. Annual testing should be done until the age of 30.
From age 30 onward, there are two screening options: a Pap test every three years or an HPV PCR test every five years. If previous results have been consistently normal, screening may no longer be necessary after age 65. Not sure when you should go get tested? Check this infographic from CANSA.
READ MORE: Cancer Doctors Reveal The 12 Symptoms They Would Never Ignore
What Does A Pap Smear Test For?
The sample that is taken during your Pap smear is generally tested for HPV (human papillomavirus), which is a virus transmitted during sex. There are many different types of HPV, some of which are linked to cervical cancer. Doctors can spot HPV even before changes can be seen on the cervix. This means women at risk of cervical cancer can be identified much earlier and their health can be monitored closely.
The test also looks for changes in the cells of your cervix. Changes happen very slowly, but can lead to serious problems like cervical cancer. The scary thing about cervical cancer is that there are no symptoms until the advanced stage. If abnormal cells are picked up on your Pap smear, your doc will be able to treat it, lowering your risk of developing cervical cancer.
“When cervical cancer is diagnosed late, treatment becomes more invasive, more expensive and survival rates drop dramatically,” says Dr Hadebe. “If abnormal cells are picked up during a Pap smear, they can often be treated before they ever become cancer.”
READ MORE: 10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Your Pap Smear
How Is A Pap Smear Taken?
Your doctor will ask you to lie back and will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina, allowing her to view your cervix. A brush or spatula is then used to take a sample of cells from just inside the opening of your cervix. This sample is then sent for testing.
It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t make your appointment when you are on your period. It may be more difficult to get a clear result on the test.
READ MORE: What Actually Happens After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
Does It Hurt?
Pap smears don’t hurt – they’re just a little bit uncomfortable and, to be frank, awkward. The discomfort lasts for a few short minutes as the test is quick to perform. Try to relax as much as possible during the procedure, as this will reduce the discomfort.
What Happens After The Pap Smear?
The lab will examine the sample and check for irregular cells. If there are irregular cells, your doctor will give you a call and explain the next steps.
“I want women to know that they have nothing to be scared about… My message to women is Pap smears are a part of life. Stop skipping your annual check-ups and make your health a priority,” says Mojaki.
READ MORE: What’s The Real Age For Perimenopause – And What Are The Symptoms?
Where To Get A Pap Smear In South Africa
Pap Smear At A GP
Pap smears are usually done at the gynaecologist’s, but more doctors are offering the Pap smear at the GP, too. If your GP does not offer it just yet, you can find an Intercare GP nearest to you. “Many women don’t realise that they don’t need to make an appointment with a gynaecologist to have a screening Pap smear done,” said Dr Ina de Beer, a general practitioner at Intercare Woodhill. “General practitioners at all the Intercare medical centres are well trained to perform Pap smears for early detection of harmful cells.”
How much? You will pay for the consultation fee plus the cost of the laboratory test. Pathology fees are charged separately. All in, you could pay around R1 000. Best to call ahead to know for sure.
At Clicks Clinics and Dis-Chem
Yes! Along with blood pressure testing and flu shots, you can tick the Pap smear off your list at these pharmacies. And, bonus: some offer packages for women’s healthcare that include a breast exam and/or an HPV rapid test. Sometimes you can also do it all:
- Pap smear
- breast screening
- HPV rapid test
- blood pressure
- blood glucose
- cholesterol
- BMI
How much? Prices may vary, so follow their socials for specials and promotions. In July, Dis-Chem ran a special for Pap smear, breast exam and rapid HPV test, all for R300. Book at Dis-Chem here and at Clicks here.
At Marie Stopes
Marie Stopes South Africa offers Pap smear tests at their centres. You can book online or call 0800 11 77 85 to find a centre near you. Marie Stopes also offers several options that combine a Pap smear with other services, which can be more cost-effective if you need multiple tests.
How much? According to the website, a breast exam, Pap smear and contraceptive consultation costs R840.
At Public Clinics
In the public health sector, you are entitled to three free Pap smears in your lifetime, offered at 10-year intervals for women aged 30 and older. Women living with HIV are entitled to more frequent screenings. If the result is abnormal, the clinic will refer you to a higher-level hospital for further care.
How much? Public healthcare clinics offer services for free.
