Cervical Cancer: Gynaecologist answers 6 frequently asked questions about the Pap Smear Test for early detection

A Pap Smear Test typically detects cell changes in your cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. This is an important screening for early detection.

The World Health Organization says cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. Yet, it affects a large number of women who can go undiagnosed as it does not show many symptoms in early stages. This makes routine screenings, including the Pap Smear Test, an important tool for early detection of cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer develops slowly, if left untreated, it can progress aggressively and spread to other parts of the body. A Pap smear test is a quick screening, which is often mired in myths. For Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, observed every January, we asked a gynaecologist some of the most common questions about Pap Smear.

Experts answer the top 7 frequently asked questions about the Pap smear test

By Ishika Narang

Ishika Narang is a Multimedia Writer at the Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience in digital journalism, specialising in health, lifestyle, beauty, and consumer-focused reporting. Her primary coverage areas include evidence-based health journalism, preventive care, wellness trends, and affiliate-driven consumer guides tailored for digital audiences. She began her professional journey in digital media, where she developed expertise in multimedia storytelling and platform-optimised editorial strategies. Over the years, she has worked with reputed organisations such as Park+, Jagran, and Wavel.ai, steadily building credibility in health and consumer journalism. Her work reflects a strong progression in editorial responsibility, combining research-backed reporting with audience-focused content formats. At Hindustan Times, she produces in-depth health and lifestyle features, expert-led explainers, and data-informed consumer stories. She also focuses extensively on affiliate articles, creating well-researched buying guides, product comparisons, and recommendation-based content that balances commercial intent with editorial integrity. Alongside writing, she conceptualises and manages social media storytelling, ensuring content is informative, engaging, and optimised for platform-specific consumption. Her subject expertise includes preventive healthcare, nutrition, supplements, women’s health, beauty trends, consumer awareness, and affiliate commerce content. She integrates expert consultations, peer-reviewed research, verified product analysis, and transparent sourcing. Her strengths lie in evidence-based storytelling, simplifying complex information, and producing reader-first affiliate content that prioritises trust and value. Ishika holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Marketing from Guru Gobind Indraprastha University, which enhances her understanding of consumer behaviour, digital commerce, and audience engagement, skills that complement her specialisation in consumer and affiliate journalism. She is committed to ethical reporting, transparent affiliate disclosures, rigorous fact-checking, and maintaining editorial credibility, ensuring every story upholds reader trust and journalistic standards.

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Dr Alka Chaudhary, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Rainbow Hospital, tells Health Shots: “Early detection through regular Pap smears significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.”

Frequently asked questions about Pap Smear Test for cervical cancer detection

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, be aware of and keep an eye out for signs such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pain, and don't skip any treatment procedures. When discussing the Pap smear test, people may have several questions, some of which are answered by doctors:

1.What is a Pap smear test?

Pap Smear Test is a procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the cervix's surface and surrounding area so that they can be examined under a microscope to detect cervical cancer. It's a quick test that takes only take a few minutes.

According to Dr Tripti Raheja, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital, the test is not painful. However, a few women experience minor discomfort during the procedure.

2. What happens if I skip the Pap smear test?

Cervical cancer is one of the types of cancer that grows silently and causes no symptoms at first. According to Dr Raheja, precancerous changes in the cervix can exist for years before they develop into cancer. The only way to diagnose it in the early or precancerous stage is through regular screening, such as the "Pap Smear Test." She explains that by the time symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or pelvic pain appear, the disease has usually progressed to a more advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.

3. How to make pap smear test less painful?

Dr Raheja says if the test makes some people nervous, they may use the following ways to avoid discomfort or pressure:

• Relax your pelvic muscles as tension increases discomfort, and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any pain.
• Schedule the test when you don’t have periods.
• Avoid intercourse and vaginal medicines or douching 48 hours before the test.

4. How long does it take to get the result of a Pap smear test?

Usually it takes 3-7 days to get the results depending on the laboratory.

5. What should be avoided before a Pap smear test?

To ensure the accurate results, Dr Chaudhary suggests certain precautions:

• Avoid sexual intercourse before a Pap Smear Test
• Avoid vaginal douching
• Do not use vaginal creams, medications, and tampons.

These should avoided for at least 24–48 hours before the test. These can wash away or obscure cervical cells, affecting the accuracy of the results. The test should also ideally not be done during menstruation. So, scheduling it about 10–20 days after the first day of the last period is recommended, unless advised otherwise by a doctor.

6. What cancers does a Pap smear test detect?

A Pap smear test primarily helps to detect cervical cancer by identifying abnormal or pre-cancerous changes in cervical cells at an early stage. It does not directly diagnose cancer but serves as an effective screening tool to flag early warning signs before cancer develops. When combined with HPV testing, it also helps to diagnose infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Early detection through regular Pap smears significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)