A Pap smear is a procedure in which a doctor or a nurse uses a small brush to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. Your doctor or nurse will collect cells from your cervix, and the procedure is generally painless and takes less than 5 minutes. It may cause some discomfort but not pain to some women when the speculum is put into your vagina. If you remain calm and follow the nurse or doctor's instructions, the procedure can be done with ease. After the procedure, some women will experience some light bleeding ('spotting') for a few days. You should not worry as this is normal.

Pap smear enables early detection of cervical cancer and it can also enable detection of abnormal cells that left unchecked, can develop into cancer. Removing the abnormal cells and treating early cancers result in prevention and cure of cervical cancer.

A Pap smear is recommended once every 3 years if the result of the previous Pap smear is normal. If the results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend a repeat Pap smear in 6 to 12 months.

A Pap smear is usually done in the middle of your menstrual cycle or 14 days after your first day of menses.

Most Pap smears will show no suspicious changes and in this case, your doctor will recommend that you attend your Pap smear in 3 years time. You should see your doctor anytime you develop suspicious symptoms (like a bleeding from your vagina in between your periods) – there is no need to wait for your next screening appointment. Sometimes, the Pap smear results may be inconclusive and the doctor may recommend that you have a repeat Pap smear. Nearly all of the results will show that there are no suspicious changes and your doctor will recommend that you attend your next Pap smear in 3 years time. You should see your doctor anytime you develop suspicious symptoms (like a bleeding from your vagina in between your periods) – there is no need to wait for your next screening appointment. Out of every 1,000 Pap smears conducted, 10 to 20 women will be detected with a suspicious lesion that may require a follow up investigation. If you have been attending regular screening, don’t worry, any cancer that is detected is likely to be at early stage and likely to be curable.