The Pap test is a simple and rapid procedure to detect changes in cells of the cervix. The test is performed in physicians' offices, and it can cause some discomfort, it should not be painful.

It is preferable to perform the test at mid-cycle (10 to 20 days after the onset of menstruation).

During the 48 hours before your Pap test:

* Avoid douching;

* Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not use any drug or contraceptive (spermicide) vaginal, either as a cream, foam or jelly, as these products may hunt or hide abnormal cells.

For about 24 hours before your Pap test:

* Avoid having sex.

At your doctor

Using a small wooden spatula, your doctor gently scrape the surface of the lower part of the cervix to collect cells. A special brush called cytobrush will collect cells from the upper neck, leading to the uterus. The cells are then spread on a glass slide and the sample sent to a laboratory where it will be examined microscopically.

If the results indicate a change or abnormality, other tests may be performed, including:

* Another Pap test;

* Colposcopy;

* Biopsy.

Practiced regularly, the Pap test can detect anomalies or changes in the cervix before a cancer develops there. Most abnormal findings are associated with precancerous problems, it is easy to identify and treat successfully.
Reduce your risk of cancer

Reduce the risk of cancer is to act concretely in order to prevent the onset of the disease. Your lifestyle so that your living environment or work may have a positive or negative effect on this risk. It must, however, that even someone as "low risk" may possibly have cancer, just as a person "high risk" will never be reached.

Low risk does not mean you'll never have cancer, but it is unlikely that you're reaching. High risk means that the probability of developing cancer are greater but not absolute.

The cancer is not attributable to one cause, but some factors may increase the risk that a person is reached. This is called risk factors. Some risk factors are impossible to change, for example:

* Age;
* Family history of cancer (heredity).

Some risk factors are associated with daily habits you can change. For example, you can make the following choices:

* Do not smoke and avoid tobacco smoke;
* Adopt a healthy diet;
* Make physical activity daily;
* Maintain a healthy weight;
* Limit your alcohol consumption;
* Reduce your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial tanning devices, such as tanning beds;
* Know your body and report any changes to your doctor or dentist;
* Follow the rules of health and safety when using hazardous products at home or at work.