Pap smears and HPV tests can catch issues early—long before they become cancer. Learn why these simple screenings matter and how to make the experience more comfortable.

Early cancer detection greatly improves treatment outcomes, yet many people skip routine screenings. Doctors say simple tests ...

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a first-of-its-kind at-home cervical cancer screening tool in an effort to provide a more accessible alternative to Pap smear tests. The goal ...

Doctor talking with patient at desk in medical office via Getty. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is looking to update its recommendations for screening for cervical cancer. The task force has ...

Regular Pap smears are a vital part of women's health care. Among these, the Pap smear stands out as a critical test for women. A Pap smear is a simple, quick procedure that can detect early signs of ...

Medically reviewed by Khadeja Haye, MD Key Takeaways You can still get a Pap smear while on your period, but heavy bleeding might affect test accuracy.Light bleeding or spotting usually won't affect ...

In 2021, 78.1% of women aged 21 to 65 were up to date with their Pap smear test for early detection in Louisiana, LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center said. Although trends of cervical cancer in Louisiana ...

Is it possible to know you have cervical cancer before it’s even cancer? You may be surprised to hear the answer is a resounding yes! But rather than looking for cervical cancer symptoms, the best ...

A Pap smear involves a medical provider inserting a speculum into the vagina, then swabbing the cervix before sending the sample to a lab. A Pap smear involves a medical provider inserting a speculum ...

Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in India. What makes it especially tragic, doctors say, is that it is also one of the most preventable. Regular screening through ...

Maybe you had a bad experience with your last Pap smear and you’re wary of going back to the ob-gyn. Or maybe you’ve never had one before and are scared to make the appointment. It’s understandable to ...