Why do I need a PAP smear?

PAP smears screen for cervical cancer.

PAP smears also look for cell changes/abnormalities on the cervix which occur many years before cervical cancer develops.  If an abnormality is detected and determined to be significantly abnormal, treatment can be given before cancer develops.  Since PAP smear screening has become available in the U.S., the number of cervical cancers has decreased by 70-75%.