“What Is a Pap Smear? A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that’s at the top of your vagina.
Do Pap tests really help? Yes! Before Pap screenings, cervical cancer was the #1 killer cancer in women, now it’s #14.
How Does It Test for Cervical Cancer? Your cells are sent to a lab to test for the presence of precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix. Detecting cervical cancer early with a pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure and could save your life.
How often should I get it? It depends on your age and medical history. It’s recommended that if you are 21-29 you get a pap test every 3 years, if you are 30-65 you should get a pap test every 3 years and get co-testing done, every 5 years which is both tests together
How much do Pap tests cost? Most insurance plans cover Pap and HPV tests with copay coinsurance or a deductible. If you don’t have insurance the CDC has a resource (search: NBCCEDP) that allows you to find free/low-cost screening providers near you”
