Cervix cancer is preventable through routine Pap smears, which can detect pre-cancerous changes. Another way to help prevent cervix cancer is the HPV vaccine; this targets human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main risk factor for developing cervix cancer.
During a Pap smear, a doctor uses a speculum to collect a sample of cells from the cervix to send to a lab for analysis. Your results are usually available within one to two months. If your result is normal, usually you won’t need another Pap smear for a few years (in Ontario). If it is abnormal, you might require another Pap smear or referral to colposcopy to take a closer look at your cervix.
McMaster Pap Party 