Cervical cancer is different from nearly every other type of cancer because most cases are preventable with routine Pap smears. At Beaumont WELLness for Women, Erica Cheshire, ANP-BC and Jennifer Sigler, WHNP-BC, PMHNP-BC screen for early signs of cervical cancer with Pap smears, assess your risk factors, and recommend when to get follow-up testing. If it’s time to schedule your Pap smear, call the office in Beaumont, Texas, or request an appointment online today.
A Pap smear is a simple procedure to screen for cervical cancer. When you get a Pap smear, your provider gently removes a sample of cells from the outside of your cervix.
Your provider sends the Pap smear to a lab, where the cells are examined and classified. Then the lab sends a report explaining the results.
Several strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer. HPV represents the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). The body’s immune system normally clears away the virus, preventing it from causing health problems. For the instances when the virus does not clear, abnormal cellular growth may occur.
Without treatment, the abnormal growth progresses and may advance to cervical cancer.
Most women should have their first Pap smear when they turn 21. During your consultation at Beaumont WELLness for Women, your provider assesses your risk and recommends when to get Pap smears based on your unique health needs.
If you have any questions or it’s time to schedule a Pap smear, call Beaumont WELLness for Women or book an appointment online today.