Pap smears - symptoms and how to test
Cervical brushing refers to a process in which cells from the cervix and surrounding region are gently removed with a tiny brush and examined under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell alterations that may develop into cervical cancer. Pap smear testing should begin for women at the age of 21. Women aged 21–29 who have had negative results from a Pap smear only need to have the test done every three years. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing should be included in Pap smears for women over 30. Cervical cancer can be prevented or detected early with the Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test (or Pap smear) screens for cervical cancer and precancers, which are abnormal alterations in cervix cells.