Taking care of your amazing body is a beautiful journey, and Pap smears are a key part of that adventure for Filipino women. They are not just a medical test; they are a valuable tool for knowledge and informed decision-making when it comes to your reproductive health. Here in the Philippines, where cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women (Human Papillomavirus Information Centre, n.d.), regular Pap smears become even more crucial.
Let’s explore what Pap smears are, why they are important, and how they can help you stay informed and proactive about your well-being.
What is a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is a quick and relatively painless screening test that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower part of your uterus that connects to the vagina. Early detection of these abnormal cells can help prevent cervical cancer and detect its cause, the Human Papilloma Virus or more commonly known as warts.
The Pap Smear Procedure
While getting a Pap smear may sound daunting and intrusive, it’s an important screening tool that allows you to take charge of your own health. Knowing what will happen during the procedure will help prepare you mentally and physically.
During a Pap smear, your healthcare provider will likely follow these steps:
- Preparation: You’ll be asked to disrobe from the waist down and wear a hospital gown. You’ll then lie comfortably on an examination table with your feet in stirrups.
- Speculum Insertion: Your provider will gently insert a speculum, a smooth plastic or metal instrument, into your vagina. This helps open the vaginal walls for easier access to the cervix.
- Cell Collection: Using a soft brush or swab, your provider will gently collect a small sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. This may cause slight discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful.
- Sample Preservation: The collected cells will then be placed on a slide or in a liquid solution and sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.
Why are Pap Smears Especially Important in the Philippines?
Did you know? Statistics from the HPV Information Centre (n.d.) show that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines, affecting nearly 8,000 women each year. Unfortunately, the Philippines also faces a challenge with low Pap smear screening rates. Studies suggest that less than 1% of Filipino women undergo regular cervical cancer screening (Human Papillomavirus Information Centre, n.d.). Cervical cancer is usually silent, and without screening may only become symptomatic during the late stages where very little can be done. This means that without screening, many women may miss the opportunity to catch precancerous changes early enough for life-saving interventions. The good news is, with early detection through Pap smears, this number can be significantly reduced.
How Pap Smears Support Filipino Women’s Health
By getting regular Pap smears, you take an active role in your health and gain valuable knowledge about your well-being. Early detection through Pap smears allows for prompt treatment, increasing the chances of a full recovery.
Moving Forward: Taking Charge of Your Health
Remember, getting regular Pap smears is a powerful act of self-care. It equips you with knowledge and promotes early detection, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for yourself and Filipina women everywhere. Healthway Medical Network offers a team of experienced OBGYN who can guide and perform your Pap smear test with nothing to worry about. Talk to us via our 24/7 contact center at 📱 (0917) 466 2273 or (0917) HMN CARE 📞 (02) 7777 2273 or (02) 7777 CARE or you can visit our website to schedule an appointment with your preferred doctor.
REVIEWED BY: Dr. Samantha Marie H. Llamzon
REVIEWED WHEN: April 19, 2024
A note to the reader
While Healthway Medical Network provides access to past articles, it is crucial to remember when these information have been updated and that these are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for accurate and personalized guidance.