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Screening Measures to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Acceptable Screening Measures to Prevent Cervical Cancer

For screening to reduce the mortality associated with cervical cancer, it must be effective. The efficacy of screening alternative depend on the type of test used, the health of the woman and other health related factors. In recent years new technology has granted doctors the opportunity to collect samples of cervical tissue and screen more efficiently. Modern tests also incorporate human papillomavirus or HPV screening with cervical cancer screening, as certain strains of HPV cause cervical cancer.

Studies suggest the most effective measures for screening women for cervical cancer include annual Pap smears. Pap smears can detect cervical changes and precancerous growths in cervical tissue. Doctors need to encourage women and remind them to schedule their appointments for this method to be effective. Studies related to Pap smear compliance confirm that women who receive annual reminders of their Pap smears are more likely to come in for testing than those who are not.

Your doctor may use two different Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Researchers originally developed the first, or conventional Pap smear to detect growths in the reproductive tract. A newer Pap smear may be more accurate however. This new technology uses a thin layer of liquid preparation, often called the ThinPrep or SurePath™.