How often should I have a Pap Smear test to screen for cervical cancer?

The article is professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Le Nhat Nguyen - Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

The Pap Smear test is an effective cervical cancer screening method that helps detect abnormal changes in cells before they become cancerous. So when should women have a Pap Smear test to avoid cervical cancer?

The Pap Smear test (also called the Pap test or pap smear), is a cytological test to screen for cervical cancer in women. On the other hand, whether cervical cancer can be cured depends on whether the patient detects the disease early or late.
Pap Smear is done by collecting and examining cells in the cervical area - a narrow passage below the uterus, just above a woman's vagina.
Screening for early detection of cervical cancer with the Pap Smear test is extremely important, providing a higher chance of treatment for patients. Not only that, the Pap Smear test also helps detect abnormalities in the structure and activity of cervical cells, thereby indicating the risk of cervical cancer in the future.

Cervical cancer can occur in anyone, at any age, but is more common in the following groups:
Women who have had sex Women overweight, obese People with ejaculation long-term uterine bleeding People with irregular periods Women with their first period too early or too late People with diabetes, high blood pressure People who use exogenous estrogens.

Cervical cancer can occur in almost any woman with unclear initial signs, easy to confuse with other diseases. Therefore, you should have a Pap Smear test at a young age.
You can refer to the American Cancer Society's guidelines for Pap Smear testing in women as follows:
Regular Pap Smear Screening Recommended Pap Smear testing should begin 3 years after women sexually active (under 21) or 21 years of age Women under age 30 should have a Pap Smear screening once a year Women over age 30 should be screened every 3 years if Pap Smear results all 3 times were negative; or both Pap Smear and HPV test results are negative. Thus, sexually active women between the ages of 21 and 70, especially those between the ages of 30 and 50, need to have an early risk screening test. cervical cancer . In particular, women aged 21-29 need to have a screening test by cervical cytology or VIA every 2 years.
Experts say that the best time to perform a cervical cytology test is 2 weeks after the last menstrual period ends and about 24-58 hours after sexual intercourse. If you have a test schedule, it is best to avoid sex, avoid using vaginal creams or taking medications, tampons, douches, cleaning solutions... for about 24 -48 hours before.
Sexual activity and sex before a Pap Smear test can cause scratches on the cervix. This can change the quality of the sample cells and make the test inaccurate.
Thus, after 24-58 hours from the first sexual intercourse you can have a Pap Smear test. Pay attention to this to ensure the most accurate and favorable Pap Smear test results.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package of Screening and Early Detection of Gynecological Cancer, which helps to check gynecological functions and perform necessary tests to help detect diseases such as cervical cancer early. uterus, uterus and ovaries even in the absence of symptoms.