A test that saved the lives of women!

We all know how important early recognition is in cancer treatment.

This is of vital importance, especially for women with special types of cancer.

Early diagnosis of breast and uterine cancer plays a very decisive role in the course of a person's life.

American Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Assoc. Dr. Kayhan Close says that the incidence of cervical cancer in countries where the smear test is widely practiced is extremely low.

The Pap smear test is a microscopic examination of cells taken with a simple swab from the cervix to investigate the cellular changes observed before cervical cancer develops.

Who should smear test?

All women over the age of 21 should have a smear test. If you have a sexual life that lasts longer than three years in young ladies, it is necessary to start the smear test again. The tests should also be continued in menopause. If you have at least three normal smear results by the time you reach age 65, smear tests may be discontinued with your doctor's approval.

How often should it be done?

All women should have a smear test once a year. In the presence of suspicious or abnormal test results your doctor may request smear repetition more often.

Is a special preparation required for the smear test?

Some factors may prevent adequate sampling of the cells that are poured into the uterus. For this reason, vaginal shower, buffer usage, vaginal drug use and sexual intercourse should be avoided two days before the smear test.

Can it be tested during the menstrual bleeding?

No, the test will not give a correct result when there is bleeding. The ideal period for testing is 7-10 days following the end of the period.

Can smear test be performed in pregnancy?

Ideally, when you decide to become pregnant, you have to go through a general examination and have a smear test at this stage, but if this is not possible, pregnancy smear test can be done at check, there is no objectionable.

How is the smear test done?

Smear test is a very quick and easy test performed during normal gyecological examination. After observing the cervix with a speculum placed in the vagina, a tool similar to the tongue used for the throat examination is gently rubbed against the cervix to collect the cells poured into the cervix.

The sample is placed in a container filled with a special liquid and sent to the cytology laboratory. The procedure is completely painless. The speculum tool used for examination may be somewhat disturbing for many women, but with a gentle examination, this disturbance can be easily overcome.