As a woman, at the top of your annual wellness exam and a routine pap smear should always be at the top of all your priorities. The reason is that this quick and painless test is very helpful during a pelvic examination to help rule out if you have cervical cancer. Cervical cancer has become more common in women, and even if you do not have a family history of any cancer, it is good to undergo this test. Suppose you are interested in undergoing a South Charleston pap smear. It is good to understand its benefits if you have doubts about this test. Below are the top five benefits of getting a pap smear.
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For your peace of mind
Generally, if you have lower reproductive concerns and you are not aware of what might be the specific concerns, you are always afraid that you might be having cervical cancer. In this case, it is essential to get a pap smear to help determine if you have cancer. Suppose your test results are negative, and your gynecologist assures you that your reproductive organs are healthy and not at risk of developing cancer. In that case, you become happy and restore your peace of mind.
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Early detection of cancer
One of the main reasons why a routine pap smear is recommended is to help in the early detection of skin cancer before it advances to the late stages. In most cases, if you got cancer cells in your cervix, they can be detected early using pap smears. However, if you wait until the symptoms of cancer start showing, cancer may be in the advanced stages, during which treatment is less successful and complicated.
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Prevents cancer
Besides a pap smear indicating the presence of cancer cells in your cervix, it also detects precancerous cells, which become cancerous over time. Therefore, regular pap smears are encouraged to help detect the presence of precancerous cells in your cervix, which treatment is possible. The treatment aims to stop changes that occur to convert the precancerous cells to cancerous ones.
- Reduces the chances of spreading
Since a pap smear helps in the early detection of can or precancerous cells, it also plays an essential role in reducing the chances of cancer spreading to other body parts. Once cancer is detected in its initial stages, it is easy to treat and have it removed, which might increase your likelihood of recovering and surviving. Cancer can also be removed before it has advanced and started metastasizing.
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Reduces the treatments required
Usually, after your cancer is detected in its initial stages, you are encouraged to start cancer treatment, followed by surgery to remove the cancer cells. Doing so can help you recover and be cancer free. However, if cancer is detected in its late stages’ treatment is complicated and even unsuccessful. Your state of health might depreciate very fast, and palliative care is all that can be given, eventually leading to death. Therefore, detecting cancer in its initial stages can also reduce the treatments needed.
If you are interested in getting a pap smear to help determine if you have cervical cancer, you can start by calling Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc today. The specialists will explain the benefits of getting a pap smear and educate you on what to expect during your appointment.
