Women Can Look Forward to Less Pap Smears to Prevent Cervical Cancer [VIDEO]

A new study shows Australian women need not have more Pap smears than necessary. Women in Australia have always been subjected to the test every two years, but researchers have found that one Pap smear in every three years is enough.

Women in England and New Zealand have less frequent Pap smears compared to women in Australia. Co-author of the research paper published in Cancer Causes and Control journal and University of South Wales Associate Professor Karen Canfell said the findings are important to the growing evidence that screening of women can be done every three years.

New Zealand has recommended that women undergo Pap smears every three years. England has an age-based policy. British women under 50 years of age are recommended to have Pap smears every three years, while older women can be screened every five years.

Cervical cancer deaths in Australia, New Zealand and England have dropped 40 per cent in ten years after screening began in mid-1990s, according to Ms Canfell who also chairs the screening advisory committee for Cancer Council Australia.

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The virus is sexually transmitted. A screening test known as the Pap smear, named after Greek doctor Georgios Papanicolaou, is designed to detect the early warning signs of cervical cancer.

The research is prompted by the introduction of the HPV vaccination which significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer in young women. There have also been advancements in developing a test for HPV and the traditional Pap smear.

Ms Canfell believed that women in general find Pap smears difficult and uncomfortable. They would appreciate reduced frequency of screening tests as long as they are sure it is safe.

Although researchers promote the findings of their study, they do not encourage women to have a change in behaviour just yet. Women still need to undergo cervical screening every two years, while the medical word reviews current technologies for screening.

About to have your first Pap smear or cervical screening test? Take a look at this video to know what to expect.