Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, comprising of 16.6% of all cancers.

In South Africa the incidence of cervical cancer is high when compared to women in western countries and appears at a younger age. The disease may affect as many as one in 34 South African women.

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The disease is often at a very advanced stage when diagnosed. There is good news if detected early it is 100% treatable.

Why screening is important
The pap smear is the screening method used to detect cervical cancer. It is recommended that women start getting pap smears within three years of becoming sexually active but no later than 21 years old.

Women should have regular annual screening until 30. After that if a women has had normal results on previous pap smears she can go two to three years between tests.

Having regular smears is important because cervical cancer rarely has symptoms before it spreads to other parts in the body.

Regular pap smears detect abnormalities that may lead to cancer of the cervix. These abnormalities can be treated before cancer develops.

Get smeared
Women who have regular pap smears are less likely to develop cervical cancer than women who don't have regular tests because they get early treatment.

Most women who are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer haven't had regular pap smears or have not followed upon abnormal results.

Having regular pap smears decreases your chances of getting cervical cancer. But even if you do develop cervical cancer the chances of a cure are high if diagnosed early.

While the pap smear may be a bit uncomfortable it only lasts a few minutes. Those few minutes could save your life.

(Health24)
 

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