DASH MAGAZINE Issue 1/ August 1, 2014 | Page 26

The Importance Of a Paps Smear.

Pap smears can detect abnormalities before they turn into cancer.

Regular preventive care is one

of the most important ways to

maintain your health over time.

If you wait to see a doctor only

when you notice a problem,

it may be too late. Pap smears

can detect early precancerous

changes on the cervix.

What Problems Can a Pap Smear Detect?

“Pap smears are not designed to detect cervical cancer. “They are designed to detect cervical

dysplasia, or precancerous changes [in the cervix].” When abnormal cells are detected by Pap

smear, your doctor can take steps to figure out the culprit behind these changes and TREAT

the condition before it turns into cancer.