Pap tests: facts vs fiction

The Pap test is a simple test that can pick up early changes in the cells of your cervix which, if left untreated, may develop into a more serious precancerous form (abnormal changes that are not cancer but may become cancerous) or cancer. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS Myth: Women who have never had sex have no risk of developing cervical cancer. Fact: Often when people refer to sex, they are talking about sexual intercourse. There are other ways in which you can be sexually active, such as intimate touching and oral stimulation. If you have ever had any form of sex, there is still a possibility, though slight, that you may develop cervical cancer. Myth: Women who have stopped having sex no longer need to have Pap tests. Fact: All women who have ever been sexually active should have a Pap test every two years. However, women aged 70 and over who have had two normal Pap tests within the previous five years can stop having tests. Women over 70, who have never had a Pap test, should be tested. Myth: A Pap test acts as a screening test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Fact: A Pap test may detect HPV (wart virus) on the cervix but it is not a test for STDs. Myth: Lesbians cannot get cancer of the cervix because they don’t have sex with men. Fact: Many lesbians have had sex with men at some time in their lives and some lesbians have bisexual partners. This means they may have become infected with HPV which is linked to the development of cervical cancer. Myth: A Pap test is also a screening test for ovarian cancer. Fact: The Pap test is only a test for cervical cancer. As yet there is no suitable screening test for ovarian cancer. Myth: You can be vaccinated against cervical cancer. Fact: Researchers are developing a vaccine to protect against cervical cancer but it will not be widely available for at least 10 years. Even then, the vaccine will probably only work for women who have never had sex. Pap tests are still your best method for picking up abnormal changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer. A REMINDER TO HAVE A PAP TEST Pap Test Registers in every State and Territory in Australia keep a confidential record of your Pap test. They help by: