Cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer) affects many women of reproductive age. It is estimated that approximately 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer will occur in the United States each year, and approximately 4,000 women will die from the disease. Although the death rate from the disease has declined in recent decades in the United States, it is still a leading cause of death among women in low- and middle-income countries. This type of malignancy is often related to HPV (HPV papilloma virus), and both conditions often occur without symptoms. Getting a regular Pap test is the best way to screen for and diagnose these conditions. In fact, the reason cervical cancer death rates have decreased in the United States is the increased use of Pap smears among women of reproductive age. However, women may wonder, “How often do I need a pap smear?” What is a Pap test? The Pap test (named after Papanicolaou, the doctor who discovered the procedure) is a test used to examine samples of cells taken from a woman's belly. cervix. The cells, which are streaked onto a glass slide, are studied by a pathologist to see if there are any abnormalities such as infections or malignant (cancerous) changes in the cells. Pap tests are often performed as part of a regular gynecological checkup. or as a diagnostic procedure to look for abnormalities in the cervix. It is usually performed by a doctor during a pelvic exam with the woman lying on her back and her legs supported by stirrups in a gynecology clinic. The test is painless but you may feel some discomfort during the pelvic exam when it is performed for the first time. Why is the Pap Test performed? Cervical cancer affects many adult women of reproductive age (approximately between the ages of 20 and 50). but... middle of the paper... performing a Pap test is, at best, prescribed by a doctor. While the test has reduced death rates from cervical cancer, it does not guarantee that the disease can be correctly diagnosed, prevented or cured. It's also important to note that screening too frequently has drawbacks, such as false-positive tests, which can lead to more frequent follow-up testing. These can lead to patient anxiety and unwanted side effects, such as problems related to future pregnancies and births. Works Cited http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-prevention http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/expertvoices/post/2012/03/14/is-a -pap-test-necessary-every-year.aspx#continue http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-key-statisticshttp://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-topic-overview